This book provides a unique overview of and introduction to the work of the German psychologist and philosopher Ludwig Klages (1872-1956), an astonishing figure in the history of German ideas. Central to intellectual life in turn-of-the-century Munich, he went on to establish a reputation for himself as an original and provocative thinker. Nowadays he is often overlooked, partly because of the absence of an accessible and authoritative introduction to his thought; this volume offers just such a point of entry.
Key Features
- Overview of Klages's Life: Part 1 offers an overview of Klages’s life, visiting the major stations of his intellectual development.
- Conceptual Tools: Part 2 examines nine major conceptual ‘tools’ found in Klages’s extensive writings, aiming to clarify his terminology and demystify his discourse.
- Extracts from Writings: Part 3 consists of extracts from Klages’s writings, thematically oriented, showcasing his aphoristic and lyrical qualities.
- Non-Polemical Account: Drawing on previous studies of Klages available in German, this volume provides a non-polemical account of his life and work.
- Key Concepts: The book explains important ideas in Klages’s work, including soul, spirit, character, expression, will, and consciousness.
Additional Information
With an emphasis on applicability and utility, Paul Bishop reinvigorates the discourse surrounding Klages, providing a neutral and compact account of his intellectual development and his impact on psychology and philosophy. Taken together, all three parts constitute a vitalist ‘toolkit’ — to build a fuller, richer life. It will stimulate.
