© 2014. Idealistic Studies, Volume 43, Issue 3. ISSN 0046-8541. pp. 185–205 DOI: 10.5840/idstudies2014111213 FICHTE, FREEDOM, AND DOGMATISM Mark E. Jonas Abstract: In the frst introduction of The Science of Knowledge, Fichte claims that there are two legitimate philosophical systems: dogmatism and idealism. He then asserts that only idealism allows individuals to retain their concept of personal freedom, whereas dogmatism requires that individuals give up that concept. I argue that on his own grounds Fichte is incorrect on this point. After a close examination of his theory, I attempt to demonstrate the possibility of a non-idealistic libertarian using Fichte’s explanation of self-positing as the foundation for her libertarianism. I hope to show that Fichte’s defense for the necessarily free act of self-positing is legitimate not only for his idealist system, but also for at least one non-idealistic system as well. The act of self-positing is indeed the only legitimate foundation for freedom, but that does not entail that freedom can only found in idealism. Introduction In the frst introduction of The Science of Knowledge, J. G. Fichte claims that there are two legitimate philosophical systems: dogmatism and idealism. 1 What Fichte exactly means by these terms is diffcult to say. However, what he makes clear is that he believes these are the only two systems of philosophy available to individuals, and that granting the one denies the other, and vice versa. Furthermore, he asserts that in granting idealism an individual is able to retain his or her concept of personal freedom, while granting dogmatism an individual must give up freedom. The evidence he offers regarding the neces- sary denial of freedom entailed in the dogmatist position is quite compelling. The dogmatist is necessarily a fatalist. 2 According to Fichte, the dogmatist must either give up his or her concept of freedom, 3 or must give up his or her dogmatism. This appears to be a real dilemma for the dogmatist who wants to retain his or her freedom. The question is, however, whether it is also a real dilemma for anyone else besides the dogmatist. This leads back to Fichte’s claim above that there are only two possible philosophical systems. According to Fichte, there can be no tenable system of philosophy other than idealism or dogmatism. This is a rather bold statement. It is bold because there have been many philosophical systems propounded that are neither idealistic nor dogmatic. 4 And surely some of these are systems that include a libertarian