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Unity or disunity of the sciences? The German debate around 1900
1University of Vienna, Department of Philosophy, Austria.
Studies in History and Philosophy of Science
|April 22, 2025
Summary
This paper explores late 19th/early 20th-century German debates on natural, social, and historical sciences. It highlights key discussions on cultural history, psychology, economics, neo-Kantianism, and the path from Marxism to sociology.
Area of Science:
- History of Science
- German Academia
- Intellectual History
Background:
- Intense and prolonged debates characterized German-speaking academia.
- Focus on the interrelationships between natural, social, and historical sciences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of these complex scientific and philosophical debates.
- To analyze specific discussions on cultural history, psychology, social sciences, economics, neo-Kantianism, and the emergence of sociology.
Main Methods:
- Historical analysis of academic discourse.
- Examination of key figures and their contrasting viewpoints.
- Tracing intellectual lineages and influences.
Main Results:
- Detailed examination of debates on cultural history (e.g., Schäfer vs. Gothein).
- Analysis of the evolving position of psychology (e.g., Wundt, Dilthey).
- Exploration of the role of social sciences, economics, neo-Kantianism, and Marxism's transition to sociology.
Conclusions:
- These scientific debates were deeply intertwined with broader social-political controversies.
- Understanding these historical discussions offers insights into the development of modern academic disciplines.
- The paper connects intellectual history with socio-political contexts in German academia.
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