Abstract

This article argues (contra horowitz et al.) that the origins of the problem of alienation antedate german idealism of the nineteenth century. Specific antecedents to the contemporary concern with alienation can be found in: (1) the medieval school of nominalism and its concern with singulars; (2) the renaissance pre-Occupation with self-Consciousness and (3) descartes' solipsistic dualism. When 19th century thinkers, Particularly hegel, Gave extensive and explicit consideration to the problem of alienation they were in large part articulating traditional philosophical concerns. To be fully grasped the alienation problem must be viewed within the broad mainstream of the history of ideas