A critical genealogy of humanism / Friedemann Stengel.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stengel, Friedemann, 1966- author.

Series:

Cambridge elements. Elements in the history of philosophy and theology in the West

Cambridge elements. Elements in the history of philosophy and theology in the West 3033-3954

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Humanism--Historiography.

Humanism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, United Kingdom ; New York, NY : Cambridge University Press, 2026.

Summary:

"'Humanism' is among the most powerful terms in historical and contemporary political, religious, and philosophical debates. The term serves to position itself in ideological conflicts and to cement a claim to interpretation, but is highly contradictory. This Element addresses 'humanism' in its striking contradictions. Contemporary definitions are confronted with the historical contexts the term 'humanism' is applied to. Based on Niethammer's invention of 'humanism' as an anti-enlightenment pedagogical concept (1808), the book does not present a mere conceptual history, but rather a theoretically oriented discourse, an examination of the front positions, between which humanism has been constructed. In this way, its 'impossibility' is shown, which is rooted in its strict contextuality. Secondly, historiographical alternatives to this dilemma are pointed out, in order to finally give suggestions not only for an ethical-normative work of the historian of humanism, but for dealing with 'humanism' in general, in connection with discourse-theoretical suggestions. This title is also available as open access on Cambridge Core."-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

On the impossibility of a concept: early and late aporias in humanism

“Humanism” in the 19th century: between education, religion, and history

Ways out of the humanism dilemma.

Notes:

Open access version available.

Includes bibliographical references.

Online resource; title from PDF title page (Cambridge Core, viewed February 12, 2026).

Other Format:

Print version: Stengel, Friedemann. Critical genealogy of humanism.

ISBN:

9781009634236

1009634232

Publisher Number:

CIPO000314552

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license