Voices of Humanity: Modern German-Speaking Women Philosophers

Catalog description

The birth of modernity took place not only in the name of humanity; it also produced unprecedented excesses of inhumanity. This applies in particular to the barbarism of Nazi Germany - but also to all other totalitarian developments. The philosophical discourses of the early decades of the 20th century function like a seismograph, allowing us to draw conclusions about the socio-ideological changes that preceded such inhumanity. In this class, we will read and discuss contributions from German-speaking women philosophers in the fields of phenomenology (Edith Stein, Gerda Walther, Hedwig Conrad-Martius), existentialism and political theory (Hannah Arendt), who, each in her own way, places humanity at the center of their thinking. Our aim is not only to gain a better understanding of the past. By linking the texts with current human rights and ethical-philosophical discourses (including Martha Nussbaum, Seyla Benhabib, Michel Foucault), we will also draw important connections to our present. All texts will be read and discussed in English.Prior knowledge of modern (German) philosophy and history is not a requirement for participation. Interest in the subject and an open mind is all you need!