Philosophy in Modern German History

From the impact of Marx’s thinking via the labour movement to Hannah Arendt’s influence on international human rights and genocide law, the ideas of German philosophers have determined the world we live in. Yet, as Cat Moir calls attention to, the conditions of German history – including the search for cultural and political unity, the institutional structure of science and education and, of course, the legacies of dictatorship – have also played their part in shaping how and why certain ideas emerged in Germany.

The goal of Philosophy in Modern German History, then, is to trace the story of philosophy as it interacts with the political, social, and cultural history of Germany from the late 18th century to the present day. Examining key German philosophers alongside overlooked thinkers of marginalized groups, Cat Moir provides the first comprehensive overview of German philosophical thought situated in its historical context. Philosophy in Modern German History thus offers an important, holistic overview of German thought for the challenges of our time.