Anstoss

/ˈɑnˌʃtɔs/ noun

Definition

In German philosophy and literature, a foundational impulse or the initial drive that sets existence or consciousness in motion.

Etymology

German 'Anstoss,' literally 'a push' or 'impulse,' from 'an-' (at, to) + 'stossen' (to push). Philosophical term used especially by German Idealists like Fichte.

Kelly Says

Anstoss is central to Fichte's philosophy—he argued that consciousness needs an initial 'impulse' or obstacle to even become self-aware, which is a wild idea about how awareness actually begins!

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