Wolfram Eilenberger: Philosophy for today - The spirits of the present

Wolfram Eilenberger: Philosophy for today - The spirits of the present

The philosophical landscape of the 20th century was shaped by important thinkers and their struggle for understanding in a changing world. Wolfram Eilenberger, born in Freiburg am Breisgau in 1972, is one of the most promising contemporary voices in the history of ideas. He is considered one of the most important philosophers of our time and draws into the hearts and minds of readers with his narrative books. His best-known work, “Time of the Magicians – The Great Decade of Philosophy 1919-1929,” illuminates the lives and ways of thinking of four outstanding German-speaking philosophers and has earned a place on the “Spiegel” bestseller list. Eilenberger addresses topics that are of central importance for today's knowledge society, as reported oe1.

Eilenberger studied philosophy, psychology and Romance languages ​​and was founding editor-in-chief of “Philosophie Magazin” from 2011 to 2017. Today he hosts the program “Sternstunde Philosophy” on Swiss television, where he discusses the philosophical legacy of great thinkers such as Martin Heidegger, Walter Benjamin, Ludwig Wittgenstein and Ernst Cassirer. These four philosophers form the core of his discussions, as they were crucial to much modern thinking in the 1920s.
His aim is to make philosophy understandable and thereby awaken a feeling for its relevance in today's world. “The philosophy of the four thinkers distances itself from pseudo-questions and puts language at the center,” says Eilenberger, which has a decisive influence on the philosophy of the 20th century South Courier holds on.

The influence of philosophers

The thinkers of the 1920s examined have had a lasting impact on the philosophical landscape: Martin Heidegger stood in the tradition of existentialism, Walter Benjamin was a key to the ideas of critical theory and the Frankfurt School, while Ludwig Wittgenstein and Ernst Cassirer are prominent figures in linguistics and cultural studies. Their legacy cannot be overestimated, as they have stimulated many modern approaches to thought while also questioning the current challenges facing philosophy. Eilenberger even warns against a return to primitive ways of thinking in today's world, which motivates him to deal with the "ghosts of the present".
In this context, his critical view of the academic world, which he criticizes for its turning away from relevant social issues, is particularly noteworthy. “The greatest impulses in philosophy often arise outside the academy,” says Eilenberger.

The 20th century itself was characterized by heterogeneity, with different philosophical currents interacting with each other. The philosophical discussions fluctuate between theoretical discourses and concrete approaches, which is reflected in the Wikipedia explained depth psychological theories and the emerging social challenges is underlined. Questions of being and the meaning of language are central themes that Eilenberger takes up in his work.

Future of philosophy

For Eilenberger, it is crucial to build a bridge between the past and the present. In his book “Ghosts of the Present,” published in 2024, he discusses thinkers such as Theodor W. Adorno and Michel Foucault in order to highlight their relevance for today's knowledge society. These philosophers offer perspectives on the pressing questions of our time and promote a better understanding of our philosophical roots. Eilenberger emphasizes that knowledge about these thinkers is important not only for scientists, but for everyone who deals with the complex challenges of our world.

Overall, it shows that the path of philosophy is always a path of dialogue - both with the past and in the present. Wolfram Eilenberger does his part by giving the great thinkers a voice and making readers understand how their thoughts still influence our understanding of the world, language and life today.