The post world war one modernism of the nineteen-twenties featured famous writers such as, Joyce, Woolf, Hemingway and T.S. Eliot. Music and art were developing in new ways too. Not least in philosophy, established systems of thinking were changing and re-forming, with huge implications for human society.
The author Wolfram Eilenberger is a philosophy insider, he has been a teacher, writer and magazine editor. The book has been a bestseller in Germany, Spain and Italy. The four hundred and eighteen pages include notes, bibliography and index.
Eilenberger focuses on the story through four pivotal philosophers chosen for their range of thought and impact then and later. They are: Ludwid Wittgenstein, Martin Heidegger, Ernst Cassirer and Walter Benjamin. The book follows a duel biographical and philosophical route developing the themes chronologically.
It is important to say the philosophical passages, by there very nature, are difficult (for novices like me), but of course thought provoking. The book can be read and enjoyed though, as it is supported by the fascinating life stories of each philosopher. Also, Eilenberger recognises this and divides each chapter into short sub-chapters, with bold headings. This eases the progress of the philosophical propositions and links them to biographical content. The historical context brings to life important developments, particularly in the precarious journey of the Weimar Republic in Germany.
The four characters were highly driven and each capable of being misunderstood professionally and personally. Eccentricity and feet of clay seem to have seem to have been part of the job description of philosopher. They also alternated between isolation and engagement academically, socially and politically. Politically, their influence stretches from extreme right through liberal to extreme left, though this is probably not an ideal analogy. Though they can be highly egocentric, didactic and slippery, they can also be attractive, tragic and human. There is a fascination in the lives.
It is pertinent to observe how rapidly very contradictory positions developed in a period of crisis, when centrifugal forces challenged propositions which were liberal in there implications. Wittgenstein’s “God-like” challenges, Heidegger’s search for “authenticity”, Cassirer’s studies of cultures and symbols and Benjamin’s Writings on modern culture and media, all contributed to the rush of ideas.
Yes the book can be difficult, but, if you are philosophic about the philosophy, very rewarding. Also, Eilenberger employs a wry humour which leavens the tone. You can decide who the heroes and villains are!
Mark's Reviews 