Mysticism and Materialism in the Wake of German Idealism

In nineteenth-century Germany, the rediscovery of mystical theology inspired idealism and romanticism, which were later challenged by critical materialism. This study explores the influence of mystical themes on thinkers such as Novalis, Hegel, Marx, Benjamin, and Bataille, going back to earlier sources such as Meister Eckhart, Nicholas of Cusa, Catherine of Siena, and Angela of Foligno.

Format: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the 19th century, a remarkable resurgence of mystical theology occurred in Germany, which had far-reaching effects on the intellectual landscape. This revival not only inspired idealism and romanticism but also laid the groundwork for their eventual challenge by critical materialism. Thanks to the Neoplatonic turn in the works of J. G. Fichte and the enthusiastic advocacy of mining engineer Franz X. von Baader, mystical themes gained renewed importance and mystical texts once again circulated. This reawakening of the mystical tradition had a profound influence on romantic and idealist thinkers such as Novalis and Hegel, shaping their ideas and shaping subsequent critical interventions by Marx, Benjamin, and Bataille.

This study delves into the works of Meister Eckhart, Nicholas of Cusa, Catherine of Siena, and Angela of Foligno, going beyond the well-known connections to Swedenborg or Böhme. It offers a fresh perspective on the reception of mystical self-interrogation in 19th-century German thought and is sure to appeal to scholars of philosophy, history, theology, and religious studies.

The revival of mystical theology in Germany in the 19th century had a profound impact on the intellectual landscape. It inspired idealism and romanticism, while also laying the seeds for their eventual challenge by critical materialism. The Neoplatonic turn in the works of J. G. Fichte and the enthusiastic advocacy of mining engineer Franz X. von Baader played a significant role in this revival. Mystic themes gained renewed importance, and mystical texts once again circulated. This reawakening of the mystical tradition influenced romantic and idealist thinkers such as Novalis and Hegel, shaping their ideas and shaping subsequent critical interventions by Marx, Benjamin, and Bataille.

This study delves into the works of Meister Eckhart, Nicholas of Cusa, Catherine of Siena, and Angela of Foligno, going beyond the well-known connections to Swedenborg or Böhme. It offers a fresh perspective on the reception of mystical self-interrogation in 19th-century German thought and is sure to appeal to scholars of philosophy, history, theology, and religious studies.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367546137