Meaning: Wilhelm Dilthey, a German historian, philosopher, and psychologist, made significant contributions to the fields of hermeneutics and phenomenology. The quote "All science is experiential; but all experience must be related back to and derives its validity from the conditions and context of consciousness in which it arises, i.e., the totality of our nature" encapsulates Dilthey's emphasis on the importance of understanding human experience within its specific context and the role of consciousness in shaping that experience.

Dilthey's perspective can be understood in the context of his broader philosophical framework, which sought to distinguish the human sciences (Geisteswissenschaften) from the natural sciences (Naturwissenschaften). He argued that the study of human experience and expression, including history, literature, and culture, required a different methodological approach than the natural sciences. This approach involved interpreting and understanding the meaning behind human actions and creations, rather than seeking universal laws or causal explanations.

The notion that "all science is experiential" reflects Dilthey's belief that scientific inquiry, including the study of human phenomena, is fundamentally rooted in lived experience. Whether in the natural or human sciences, the process of acquiring knowledge is inseparable from the experiential engagement with the world. This experiential dimension encompasses not only the empirical observations and data gathering but also the subjective interpretations and meanings ascribed to those experiences.

However, Dilthey also highlights the critical importance of contextualizing and relating experience back to the conditions and consciousness in which it arises. In doing so, he emphasizes the idea that the validity of human experience and the knowledge derived from it is inherently tied to the specific context, historical milieu, and individual consciousness of the experiencer. This perspective challenges the notion of a detached, objective observer and instead emphasizes the situatedness of human experience within the totality of our nature.

The "totality of our nature" refers to the complex interplay of individual consciousness, cultural influences, historical context, and the broader human condition. Dilthey's emphasis on the totality of our nature underscores the interconnectedness of our experiences with the larger framework of human existence. This holistic view acknowledges that our understanding of the world is shaped by a multitude of factors, including our emotions, values, beliefs, and the social and cultural milieu in which we are embedded.

In essence, Dilthey's quote calls attention to the intricate relationship between science, experience, and consciousness. It underscores the need to recognize and account for the subjective, interpretative, and context-dependent nature of human experience in the pursuit of knowledge. By acknowledging the primacy of experiential engagement and the contextual embeddedness of consciousness, Dilthey's perspective offers a compelling framework for understanding the human sciences and the complexities of human existence.

In conclusion, Wilhelm Dilthey's quote encapsulates his philosophical stance on the importance of human experience, consciousness, and context in the pursuit of knowledge. It emphasizes the experiential foundation of all science while highlighting the crucial role of consciousness and contextualization in shaping the validity and meaning of human experience. Dilthey's ideas continue to inspire scholarly inquiries into the nature of human understanding and the methodological approaches to the study of human phenomena within the broader landscape of the humanities and social sciences.