Georg Simmel and German Culture: Unity, Variety and Modern Discontents

Georg Simmel's ideas are being recognized by intellectual historians as a reflection on the essence of modernity and modern civilisation. Efraim Podoksik places his ideas within the context of intellectual life in Germany, particularly Berlin, under the Kaiserreich. Simmel's thought is an attempt to transform the complexity of these debates into a coherent worldview that can guide understanding of their main parameters. This study offers contextual analyses of Simmel's philosophies of culture, society, art, religion and the feminine, as well as his interpretations of Dante, Kant, Nietzsche, Schopenhauer, Goethe and Rembrandt.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Georg Simmel, a renowned German philosopher and social thinker, has recently gained recognition among intellectual historians. Efraim Podoksik, in his insightful analysis, contextualizes Simmel's ideas within the intellectual landscape of Germany, particularly in Berlin, during the era of the Kaiserreich.

Simmel's life was deeply intertwined with the complexities of modernity, characterized by the growing differentiation and fragmentation of culture and society. This fundamental issue played a central role in the intellectual debates of Imperial Germany. Podoksik presents Simmel's thought as an endeavor to transform the intricate nature of these debates into a coherent worldview that serves as a valuable guide to understanding their core principles.

In particular, the study delves into the genealogy and usage of concepts such as Bildung, culture, and civilisation in Germany. It offers contextual analyses of Simmel's philosophies on culture, society, art, religion, and the feminine, as well as his interpretations of prominent thinkers like Dante, Kant, Nietzsche, Schopenhauer, Goethe, and Rembrandt.

Through his profound insights and innovative thinking, Georg Simmel has left an indelible mark on the intellectual history of Germany. His ideas continue to resonate and inspire scholars and thinkers alike, shedding light on the enduring challenges and opportunities of modern civilization.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108964975