German Philosophy in the Twentieth Century: Lukacs to Strauss

Julian Young's German Philosophy in the Twentieth Century: Lukacs to Strauss is an essential introduction to the course of German philosophy in the twentieth century, exploring how major thinkers reacted to the challenges of modernity, liberalism, and decline. It examines the thought of Georg Lukács, Ernst Bloch, Walter Benjamin, Oswald Spengler, Max Scheler, Carl Schmitt, and Leo Strauss, and is relevant to students of German philosophy, phenomenology, and critical theory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The course of German philosophy in the twentieth century is a captivating and contentious chapter in the annals of human thought. In this remarkable and thought-provoking introduction, Julian Young delves into and evaluates the diverse responses of some of the foremost German thinkers of the era to the formidable challenges posed by modernity, the failure of liberalism, and the notion of decline. This comprehensive work is divided into two parts, each exploring the thought of prominent intellectual figures on the left and right.

Part I: Left-Wing Intellectual Figures

Georg Lukács: The Critique of Capitalism

Young begins his exploration by introducing Georg Lukács, a prominent figure on the left who made significant contributions to the critique of capitalism. Lukács' analysis revolves around the concept of alienation, which he defines as the estrangement of individuals from their true selves and their creative potential. He further explores the phenomena of reification and false consciousness, which he sees as the consequences of alienation. Lukács' critique of capitalism is not merely a theoretical exercise but a call to action, urging individuals to reclaim their humanity and engage in a transformative struggle against the oppressive forces of capitalism.

Ernst Bloch: The Marxist Utopia

Next, Young turns his attention to Ernst Bloch, another influential figure on the left who envisioned a Marxist utopia. Bloch's vision was rooted in his belief in the inevitable collapse of capitalism and the rise of a socialist society. He envisioned a society where individuals would be free from economic oppression and social inequality, and where the means of production would be owned collectively. Bloch's utopia, however, was not without its critics, who argued that it was unrealistic and utopian in nature. Nevertheless, Bloch's ideas continue to inspire and influence left-wing thinkers and activists around the world.

Walter Benjamin: The Confluence of Phenomenology and Left-Wing Thought

Continuing the exploration of left-wing thought, Young introduces Walter Benjamin, a renowned German philosopher who bridged the gap between phenomenology and left-wing politics. Benjamin's work is characterized by his unique blend of philosophical analysis and cultural critique. He is best known for his influential essay "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction," which explores the impact of technology on the production and consumption of art. Benjamin's ideas about the relationship between technology and culture have had a profound influence on the fields of art, literature, and media.

Oswald Spengler: The Pessimistic Right and the Concept of Western Decline

Moving to the right, Young examines the thought of Oswald Spengler, a prominent figure on the pessimistic right who believed that the West was in decline. Spengler's ideas were influenced by his belief in the cyclical nature of history and the notion of the "decline of the West." He argued that the West had reached its peak of cultural and economic power in the Middle Ages but had since been on a downward trajectory, marked by a series of crises and setbacks. Spengler's ideas were controversial and often criticized for their pessimism and nostalgia, but they continue to be of interest to scholars and thinkers who study the history and future of the West.

Max Scheler: Catholic Conservatism and the 'Objective Hierarchy of Values

Finally, Young introduces Max Scheler, a prominent figure on the conservative side of German philosophy. Scheler's work is characterized by his emphasis on the importance of objective values and the role of reason in shaping human behavior. He argued that human beings are driven by a natural desire for order and stability, and that this desire can be fulfilled through the pursuit of objective values. Scheler's ideas have had a significant impact on the fields of ethics, politics, and social philosophy, and his work continues to be studied and debated by scholars today.

Part II: Right-Wing Intellectual Figures

Carl Schmitt: The Failure of Liberalism, Dictatorship, and 'Friends Versus 'Enemies

In the second part of the book, Young explores the thought of Carl Schmitt, a prominent figure on the right who is known for his influential work on political philosophy and legal theory. Schmitt's ideas were influenced by his belief in the inherent conflict between political communities and the need for a strong authoritarian state to maintain order and stability. He argued that the state should be defined as the "friend" of its citizens, while its enemies should be treated as "enemies." Schmitt's ideas have been criticized for their authoritarianism and their disregard for human rights, but they continue to be of interest to scholars and policymakers who study the politics of power and the rule of law.

Leo Strauss: The Rejection of Moral Relativism and the Return to Classical Philosophy

Finally, Young introduces Leo Strauss, a prominent figure on the conservative side of German philosophy who is known for his rejection of moral relativism and his return to classical philosophy. Strauss's ideas were influenced by his study of ancient Greek and Roman philosophy and his belief in the timeless wisdom of the ancient Greeks and Romans. He argued that the pursuit of moral truth is a universal human endeavor and that the ancient Greeks and Romans had discovered the principles that govern human behavior and society. Strauss's ideas have had a significant impact on the fields of philosophy, political science, and law, and his work continues to be studied and debated by scholars today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, German Philosophy in the Twentieth Century: Lukacs to Strauss is a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the diverse range of German philosophical thought in the twentieth century. Through his analysis of the responses of major German thinkers to the challenges of modernity, liberalism, and decline, Young provides a valuable insight into the complex and multifaceted nature of German philosophy. This book is essential reading for students of German philosophy, phenomenology, critical theory, and related fields such as literature, religious studies, and political theory. It offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the major intellectual figures of the left and right, their ideas, and their contributions to the development of German philosophy. Whether one is interested in exploring the critique of capitalism, the utopian vision of Marxism, the confluence of phenomenology and left-wing thought, the pessimistic right and the concept of Western decline, or the conservative resurgence of classical philosophy, this book provides a wealth of information and ideas to engage and inspire.

Weight: 392g
Dimension: 157 x 232 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367468194