The Charles Secrétan’s Philosophy of Freedom

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the unknown in our country philosophy of Swiss thinker Charles Secrétan (1815–1895). Secrétan’s thought is illustrated with the translation of two letters extracted from Renouvier and Secrétan’s Correspondence (1910). Kant’s philosophy of religion and morals was its starting point as well late Schelling’s philosophy. But though Secrétan started with this intellectual heritage, he did not accept all Kant’s and Schelling’s doctrines. This conclusion is relevant even in relation to Alexander Vinet, his senior friend and spiritual master too. Therefore for the deep understanding of Secrétan’s philosophy of freedom it is necessary to pay attention to the historical and cultural context of the Swiss federation and the canton Vaud especially.