Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph von (ˈfriːdrɪç ˈvɪlhɛlm ˈjoːzɛf fɔn). 1775–1854, German philosopher. He expanded Fichte's idea that there is one reality, the infinite and absolute Ego, by regarding nature as an absolute being working towards self-consciousness. Hisworks include Ideas towards a Philosophy of Nature (1797) and System of Transcendental Idealism (1800)