The German Idealists E-Book

Hermann Selchow

• Herausgeber: tredition
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Seitenzahl: 245

Beschreibung

Discover the roots of our modern thinking! "The German Idealists - Is Patriotism Still Contemporary?" takes you on an exciting journey into the time of the Napoleonic occupation and shows you how important thinkers such as Fichte, Schelling and Hegel shaped not only philosophy but also the self-image of an entire nation. In a changing world, this book asks the important questions: What does patriotism mean in a globalized society? How can we preserve our identity and values ??while being open to the challenges of the present? This book is a must for anyone interested in philosophy, history and the great ideas of humanity. Let yourself be inspired by the thoughts of the German Idealists and find out what patriotism means today - beyond nationalism, but full of love for freedom, justice and humanity. "The German Idealists - Is Patriotism Still Contemporary?" - a book that makes you think and sharpens your eye for what is essential. Ideal for anyone who wants to delve deeply and reflectively into the topics of identity and national consciousness. Take part in the current discussions and discover the timeless values ??that hold us together as a society. Hermann Selchow

Leseprobe

The German Idealists - Is Patriotism Still Relevant?

© 2024 Hermann Selchow

Druck und Distribution im Auftrag des Autors:

tredition GmbH, Heinz-Beusen-Stieg 5, 22926 Ahrensburg, Germany

Das Werk, einschließlich seiner Teile, ist urheberrechtlich geschützt. Für die Inhalte ist der Autor verantwortlich. Jede Verwertung ist ohne seine Zustimmung unzulässig. Die Publikation und Verbreitung erfolgen im Auftrag des Autors, zu erreichen unter: tredition GmbH, Abteilung "Impressumservice", Heinz-Beusen-Stieg 5,

22926 Ahrensburg, Deutschland.

The German Idealists –

Is Patriotism Still Relevant?

Table of Content

German idealism and its timeless value

Idealism, State and Nation – An Introduction

The Birth of Idealism: Kant and the Enlightenment

Fichte and the idea of self-confidence

Schelling and the unity of nature and spirit

Hegel and the Dialectic of Freedom

Romanticism and the discovery of the national

Heinrich Heine: Between Idealism and Realism

The German idealists and political movements

Idealism in the 19th century: From the Vormärz to the Revolution of 1848

Patriotism in Crisis: World War I and its Effects

The collapse of idealism: Weimar Republic and Nazi era

Flow chart: The softening and perversion of idealism

The perversion of idealism in communist dictatorships

Preservation and restoration of ideals and democracy

Post-war Germany: The search for a new patriotism

Challenge of the present: Patriotism in the 21st century

Relevance of the German Idealists for Today

A final word

Also published by me:

In order to willingly and freely recognize the value of others,

you must have your own.

(Immanuel Kant)

German idealism and its timeless value

German intellectual history is marked by a deep and complex tradition of idealism that extends far beyond the philosophical discourses of the 18th and 19th centuries. In the midst of a world marked by rapid change, globalization, and political tensions, the question of the fundamental values that bind a nation and its citizens together remains of central importance. This book is devoted to examining German idealism and its connection to the concepts of patriotism and national identity, especially in times of uncertainty and change.

German idealism is more than just a philosophical movement; it is an expression of a deep aspiration to understand and appreciate human existence in its entirety. The idealists, such as Immanuel Kant, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling, and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, created a body of thought that aimed to reconcile individual freedom, moral self-responsibility, and the pursuit of the Absolute.

The writings of these thinkers reflect not only a philosophy but also an ethical and political ideal that has deeply influenced the nature of German culture. They viewed man not as an isolated being but as part of a larger whole, a community based on shared values and goals. This notion forms the basis for a form of patriotism that is not based on blind nationalism but on a reflective, moral and philosophical basis.

Throughout history, these ideals have often been at odds with the realities of their times. In times of political instability, social upheaval and war, Germans have had to grapple with how to reconcile their philosophical beliefs with the harsh realities of life. Idealism offered a vision that went beyond everyday challenges and aspired to a higher goal. Yet this idealism also faced the challenge of asserting itself in a world increasingly dominated by realpolitik and pragmatic considerations.

I would like to explore with you how German idealism has shaped ideas about patriotism and national identity. It will shed light on the role of philosophers in shaping German intellectual life and trace the impact of their ideas on Germany's political and social development over the centuries. In doing so, both the positive and negative aspects of this tradition of thought will be critically reflected.

We live today in a time when the concepts of patriotism and national pride are often misunderstood or politically instrumentalized. The history of German idealism offers us valuable lessons on how to develop a deep love for one's country and its values without falling into the pitfalls of nationalism or wokism. These thinkers remind us that true patriotism must be based on a foundation of universal values, freedom and moral integrity.

Immanuel Kant, considered one of the most important philosophers of the Enlightenment, revolutionized philosophical thought and laid the theoretical foundations for German idealism. With his Critique of Pure Reason, Kant placed human reason at the center and examined the conditions of the possibility of knowledge. He recognized that our knowledge is determined not only by the senses but also by the structural features of our thinking. This radical approach laid the foundation for the later development of idealism and emphasized the active role of the human mind in shaping reality.

Kant's philosophy was characterized by a deeply rooted ethics based on the principle of the Categorical Imperative. This ethics calls us to act in such a way that the maxim of our actions could become a universal law. In other words, every action should be morally justifiable if it were performed equally by all people. This moral rigor was not only an intellectual claim but also a guide for practical life and action in the world.

The importance of Kant's ethics for German idealism lies in its emphasis on the autonomy and moral responsibility of the individual. These principles were taken up and developed further by later thinkers such as Fichte, Schelling and Hegel to reflect the role of the individual within the community and the state. At a time when the political landscape was dominated by monarchies and absolutist rule, Kant's philosophy offered a vision of freedom and moral responsibility that laid the foundation for a new conception of civil rights and state order.

Kant's ideas have astonishing relevance to today's political challenges in Germany and Europe. In the face of increasing polarization and loss of trust in political institutions, Kant's ethics can remind us of the importance of placing universal moral principles at the center of political action. The decline of democratic values that we see in many areas of our lives is often the result of a lack of moral integrity and an instrumentalization of politics for short-term goals and individual power interests.

In Germany and Europe today we are facing a multitude of challenges that threaten the very essence of our democratic societies. Political movements, increasing social and ethical inequality and the threat posed by authoritarian and seemingly irrational regimes are putting our democratic structures to the test. In this context, returning to Kant's principles of reason and morality could help us find an inner ethical basis that goes beyond the current political discourse and leads us to a deeper reflection on the values that define and hold our society together.

The threat to democratic values that we are observing today manifests itself in various forms: growing distrust of political institutions, the erosion of the rule of law, the restriction of freedom of expression and freedom of the press, and the spread of fake news and disinformation. These developments are not only alarming signs of the state of our democracy, but also a challenge to the intellectual and ethical foundations of our society.

The appropriation of certain ideas and concepts by individual groups, the distortion and misrepresentation of their actual meaning and the associated sovereignty over the interpretation of concepts and discussions distort the socially necessary debate about national and global developments. This leads to one-sided bans on thinking and speaking in society. Even the critical debate about these internal and external bans can tempt individuals to appropriate these concepts in their new meaning and ultimately make them socially acceptable.

German idealism, particularly in its Kantian form, can be understood as an antidote to these developments. By emphasizing the autonomy of the individual and the moral responsibility of each individual and society, idealism offers a vision of society based on respect for the law and social consensus, as well as a commitment to a common moral framework. These principles could help to restore the foundations for trust in democracy and strengthen social cohesion and consensus.

Furthermore, Kant's idea of "eternal peace" through a federalist order, in which states give up their supposed superiority in favor of a higher and common peace order, originally influenced the European idea. The European Union, which is based in the true sense on the principles of cooperation, the rule of law and respect for human rights, must reflect Kant's vision. At a time when European cohesion is threatened by national and financial egoism, corruption and paternalism, a return to Kantian ideals could help to defend and expand the fundamental idea of the Union.

Immanuel Kant and German idealism provide a rich source of philosophical and ethical reflections that remain relevant well beyond the time of their creation. Their emphasis on reason, freedom and moral responsibility can serve as a guide for us to meet the current challenges facing democracy in Germany and beyond Europe. By integrating these ideas into the general political discourse, we could find ways to renew and strengthen the democratic values of our society and create an ethically sound basis for action in an increasingly complex and restructuring world.

In the following chapters, I would like to take a closer look with you at the works and ideas of the great German idealists and analyze their relevance to our world today. From the Enlightenment to Romanticism to the political movements of the 19th century and beyond, German idealism has had a profound impact that can serve as a guide for us, even in critical times, for a patriotism that cultivates its own culture and social values without elevating itself above other cultures and nations.

Hermann Selchow

Idealism, State and Nation – An Introduction

In the present, a world of upheaval and challenges, the question of the meaning of patriotism takes on a new urgency. This book is devoted to a topic that is as fascinating as it is complex: German idealism and its relationship to patriotism in difficult times.

The history of Germany is marked by ups and downs, by moments of pride and shame. The discussion about patriotism also moves within this field of tension. How can we develop a positive connection to our country in a globalized world without falling into nationalism or blanket exclusion? What role do the ideas of the German idealists play in this context?

This book attempts to shed light on these questions, drawing a line from the philosophy of German idealism to the present. It is about painting a differentiated picture of patriotism that neither falls into uncritical glorification nor into blanket rejection.

In the following pages we will examine the thoughts of philosophers such as Kant, Fichte and Hegel and examine how their ideas have shaped our understanding of the state, nation and individual responsibility. We will analyze how the concept of patriotism has changed over the course of German history and what lessons we can learn from this for the present and, above all, our future.

The aim is not to provide ready-made answers, but rather to stimulate thought and promote constructive debate. At a time when dictatorial-globalist movements are gaining strength worldwide, it is more important than ever to critically engage with questions of national identity.

My book is aimed at everyone who is interested in the intellectual roots of German patriotism and is looking for ways to deal responsibly and thoughtfully with love of country in the present day. It is an invitation to critical dialogue and self-reflection.

Let us go on a journey together through the world of thought of the German idealists and gain new perspectives on the challenges of our time. Because only when we understand where we come from can we consciously decide where we want to go.

The question of the nature of patriotism is as old as the idea of the nation itself. In Germany, a country with a turbulent history, this question takes on a particularly explosive character. The German idealists, those thinkers who worked at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, made a significant contribution to shaping our understanding of the state, society and individual responsibility. Their ideas form the starting point for a consideration of patriotism that goes far beyond simplistic black-and-white painting.

Immanuel Kant, one of the most influential philosophers of the Enlightenment, laid the foundation for a cosmopolitan way of thinking with his idea of "world citizenship" that nevertheless did not negate the importance of the nation state. In his essay "On Perpetual Peace" he outlined a vision of a world order in which sovereign states coexist in a peaceful union. Kant saw enlightened patriotism as a virtue that enables the individual to serve both his nation and humanity as a whole.

This idea of a reconciliation between national consciousness and universal values was to shape subsequent generations of German thinkers. Johann Gottlieb Fichte, a student of Kant, went a step further in his "Speeches to the German Nation". At a time of Napoleonic occupation, he appealed to the German people to reflect on their cultural and intellectual uniqueness. Fichte's patriotism was not narrow-minded nationalism, but rather an attempt to move the Germans towards moral and intellectual renewal.

Fichte saw in the German language and culture a special potential for realizing the ideals of the Enlightenment. His appeal to "Germanness" was not intended as a demarcation from other nations, but as a call for self-perfection in the service of humanity. This idea of "cultural patriotism" was to have a great influence on German self-image in the decades that followed.

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, the third of the great German idealists, developed a differentiated view of the state and civil society in his philosophy of law. For Hegel, the state was more than just a necessary evil to secure individual rights. He saw in it the realization of the moral idea, the place where freedom and necessity, individual and community come together in a synthesis.

Hegel's understanding of the state was certainly patriotic, but in a reflective sense. He recognized the importance of national identity, but at the same time warned against the dangers of excessive nationalism. For Hegel, true patriotism was not blind loyalty and obedience, but conscious participation in state and social life, combined with a willingness to reflect critically.

These ideas of the German idealists form the starting point for a view of patriotism that goes far beyond simplistic black-and-white painting. They show that love of country and cosmopolitanism, national identity and universal values do not have to be irreconcilable opposites.

But how can these ideas be applied to the present? Germany is currently part of the European Union and is facing completely new challenges in a globalized world - thus the question of contemporary patriotism is becoming more relevant.

German history in the 20th century has shown the catastrophes that unleashed nationalism can lead to. The experiences of National Socialism have had a lasting impact on Germany's relationship to patriotism. After 1945, a culture of restraint with regard to national symbols and patriotic expressions of feeling developed in the Federal Republic. Constitutional patriotism, as propagated by the philosopher Jürgen Habermas, offered an alternative to traditional national pride: an identification with the democratic values of the Basic Law rather than with ethnic or cultural categories.

This form of patriotism undoubtedly contributed to Germany growing into a stable democracy after the horrors of the Second World War. But in recent years, voices have been growing that call for a redefinition of German self-image. In an increasingly fragmented and condescending society, a positive narrative of national identity is needed to strengthen cohesion and the survival of one's own identity.

The challenge is to develop a patriotism that neither falls into uncritical self-congratulation nor into blanket self-denial. It is about finding a balanced relationship with one's own nation that both appreciates the achievements and recognizes the dark sides of history.

Such a reflective patriotism can draw on a number of the best traditions of German intellectual history. It can uphold the ideas of the Enlightenment without denying the cultural peculiarities. It would be open to development and change without negating the importance of continuity and cohesion within the nation.

In practice, this could mean being proud of the achievements of German scientists, artists and thinkers without falling into cultural arrogance. It would mean appreciating the achievements of the German welfare state without denying the need for reforms and corrections. It would be about cultivating the German language without dismissing other languages as inferior.

A contemporary German patriotism would also have to consider the reality of immigration and the absorption of new influences, accept them in accordance with applicable law and correct them whenever necessary. Germany was and is a country in which people of different origins can and should live together peacefully and constructively. This situation can enrich our culture and our daily lives. An inclusive patriotism can see this diversity as an enrichment and at the same time find unifying elements. This has been proven for many years in the recent past. Giving up one's own culture and elevating foreign values and customs above one's own inevitably leads to the death of one's own culture and its values. Patriotism that deserves this name has the right to defend itself at all times and to protect its own values. Its task is to defend itself against violent elimination of any form and to ensure its natural change and thus its survival.

European integration represents an immense challenge to the traditional concept of patriotism. But here too, the ideas of the German idealists offer starting points. Kant's vision of a peaceful world order of sovereign states can certainly be read as an intellectual anticipation of a European Union in the original sense. An enlightened patriotism in the 21st century must be able to create national and European identities as complementary, not contradictory.

Globalization and the associated changes in the economy and society have led to uncertainty and fear. In this context, populist and socialist movements are gaining ground. They promise simple answers to complex questions and often use rhetoric that is reminiscent of the darkest times in German history. The distortion of terminology and even the banning of opinions are and will remain methods of dictatorial systems. This also includes the suppression of national customs and ideals.

A reflective patriotism is an antidote to these tendencies. It will take people's legitimate concerns seriously without falling into self-destruction or isolationism. It would recognize the importance of national sovereignty without denying the need for international cooperation.

The question of what such patriotism might look like in practice is the subject of lively debate. Some voices argue for a more open approach to national symbols, for example at sporting events or official occasions. Others see the strength of German patriotism precisely in its restraint and warn against a return to traditional forms of national self-expression. Nevertheless, it remains undisputed that the German nation has a guaranteed right to its symbols and its flag. Publicly denigrating these or replacing them with one-sided ideological symbols must have legal consequences.

Regardless of such external signs, it is above all a matter of the inner attitude. An enlightened patriotism in the sense of the German idealists would be characterized by critical reflection, openness to dialogue and the willingness of every individual citizen to take responsibility.

This also means dealing with the chronology of German history. The crimes of the German dictatorships remain a warning legacy that calls for constant vigilance against any form of unjust state. A reflective patriotism would accept this responsibility without falling into a paralyzing culture of guilt. It has the task of educating people about undesirable developments and countering these tendencies with all democratic means.

At the same time, it is about appreciating the positive aspects of German history and the present. The peaceful revolution of 1989, which led to reunification, is an example of how civil movements can bring about democratic change. In contrast, the way in which Germany has recently taken in people from countless countries shows, on the one hand, a culture of humanity and solidarity, but on the other hand, also an ideology-driven self-loathing and destruction of social values and structures. A critical questioning of political and financial failures is appropriate here. It must become a patriotic duty to defend oneself against corruption, political intrigue and occupation by aggressive cultures. Patriotism and humanism are not a one-way street and do not involve giving up one's own values and culture in favor of foreign cultures and values. On the contrary, the German idealists also defended themselves against the usurper Napoleon in their writings.

A contemporary patriotism should focus on the challenges of the future. Digital transformation, demographic change - all of these issues require a high degree of social cohesion and a willingness to make changes in the interests of one's own society. Here, an enlightened patriotism must have a motivating effect by building on the traditions of German engineering and innovative strength and at the same time emphasizing and striving for positive development.

Education plays a key role in this context. The German idealists already saw education as the key to realizing their ideals. Even today, a sound political and historical education is essential in order to develop a reflective patriotism. It is about enabling young people to deal with their own history critically but also positively and at the same time to develop a positive relationship with their country. This task cannot be left to schools and universities alone. Positive role models are required and necessary here, even in the home.

The question of the role of culture in contemporary patriotism is also important. Germany has a rich cultural heritage, from classical music to literature and contemporary art. An enlightened patriotism must cultivate this heritage without shutting itself in. It should be open to cultural influences from all over the world and would see the dynamism and diversity of the German cultural scene as a strength.

The German language also plays an important role in this context. It is not only a means of communication, but also a bearer of cultural identity. A reflective approach to language would promote its cultivation and further development without devaluing other languages.

The question of what modern patriotism might look like also arises in economic policy. The social market economy, once conceived as the "German way" between capitalism and socialism, is facing new challenges. Contemporary economic patriotism must emphasize the strengths of Germany as a location. It should recognize the importance of innovation and competitiveness, but at the same time focus on social balance and sustainable development.

Foreign policy is another area in which a reflective patriotism would have to prove itself. Germany's role in the world has changed significantly since reunification. As an economic power and an important player in the European Union, the country is faced with the challenge of taking on more international responsibility. An enlightened patriotism would accept this responsibility without falling into great power ambitions or neo-colonial behavior. It would campaign for peace, human rights and international cooperation, but also represent legitimate national interests. This is the only way to restore the reputation that Germany had just a few years ago.

The question of German identity in a globalized world remains complex. A contemporary patriotism will be able to reconcile apparent opposites: attachment to one's homeland and cosmopolitanism, tradition and innovation, national sovereignty and international integration. It will recognize the diversity of life plans in a modern society and at the same time look for and implement unifying elements.

The idea of a "leading culture", as discussed in recent years, can certainly be supported in this context in one's own country without excluding other cultures. Instead of a rigid canon of values and behavior, it would be more about conducting a critical dialogue about integration, as has been achieved, for example, with Asians and southern European citizens living here. A reflective patriotism would recognize the values of the Basic Law as the only binding framework within which cultural diversity is possible and has long been accepted by the majority of society in many areas.

The digital revolution presents society with new challenges. A future-oriented patriotism can recognize the opportunities of digitalization while keeping an eye on its risks. It will promote the development of innovative technologies without neglecting the protection of privacy and informational self-determination. The idea of "digital sovereignty" could play an important role in this.

In the area of environmental and climate policy, there is an opportunity to build on the best traditions of German environmental awareness. Patriotism can see the preservation of the natural foundations of life as a national and global task. It could have a motivating effect by highlighting the connection between tradition, love of homeland and environmental protection.

Demographic developments pose major challenges for Germany. A future-oriented patriotism must find answers to questions about the intergenerational contract, old-age provision and the integration of older people into society. At the same time, it is about offering young people prospects and promoting their potential.

The role of the media in shaping contemporary patriotism should not be underestimated. In times of fake news on social networks and state-subsidized media, an independent media landscape is of crucial importance. An enlightened patriotism must value freedom of the press as a valuable asset and at the same time promote the media literacy of citizens.

The question of the compatibility of religion and patriotism is becoming more and more explosive in an increasingly secular but also religious society. A reflective patriotism would recognize the positive role of religious communities in social cohesion, but at the same time insist on the separation of state and religion.

Religious infiltration or enforcement of political institutions or infiltration of public and social spaces must be consistently prevented. A healthy patriotism will always accept religion as a private opinion.

In the field of science and research, a contemporary patriotism can build on the great tradition of German universities and research institutions. It will emphasize the importance of politically independent education and science for the future viability of the country and at the same time promote international networking of research.

Sports promotion is another area in which patriotic feelings often manifest themselves. A reflective approach to this would appreciate the positive aspects of sporting competition without falling into nationalistic or one-sided ideological exaggerations. Popular sport could be seen as a means of promoting health and social cohesion. We remember the 1954 World Cup (Miracle of Bern) or 2014 in Brazil.

The promotion of art and culture is another area in which contemporary patriotism must prove itself. It is about maintaining the rich cultural heritage and at the same time creating space for new, even critical, forms of artistic expression. An enlightened concept of culture would see the diversity of artistic positions as a strength.

In the area of family policy, as an important aspect of a viable society, the question arises as to what modern patriotism might look like. The compatibility of family and work, the support of families as the reproductive cell of society and the promotion of children and young people must be understood as patriotic tasks. The aim is to ensure the future viability of society.

The design of public space is another aspect in which contemporary patriotism can manifest itself. The maintenance of monuments and places of remembrance, but also the creation of new meeting places can help to raise awareness of our shared history and present and in doing so develop constructive ideas for the future.

Promoting volunteer work and civic engagement is another area in which contemporary patriotism is expressed in practice. Supporting clubs, citizens' initiatives and voluntary services is an expression of lived responsibility for the community. The aim is to strengthen civil society and at the same time to develop new forms of participation.

In the area of defense policy, the question arises as to what a reflected patriotism should look like. Securing peace, participating in international peace missions and developing a European security architecture must be understood as a patriotic task. It is about taking responsibility for one's own country and the world without falling into senseless military adventures.

In education policy, too, as an important factor for the future, the question arises as to what a future-oriented patriotism should look like. Promoting equal opportunities, strengthening political education and developing meaningful and effective learning concepts must be understood as patriotic tasks. The aim is to promote and challenge the potential of our children and young people and at the same time to restore the competitiveness of Germany as a location for education. The main focus must be on ideology-free, forward-looking and scientifically based education. This is the only way to give young people the tools they need for their own professional future and to ensure that our country continues to produce well-educated and trained specialists.

The promotion of innovations and start-ups is another area in which reflective patriotism must prove itself. Supporting young companies, creating favorable conditions for founders and promoting technology transfer must be seen as an expression of future-oriented action. Drastic reduction in bureaucracy must promote economic dynamism and at the same time take social and ecological aspects into account. Structural and bureaucratic obstacles must be reduced to an absolute minimum in order to make Germany internationally competitive again as a location and to regain a successful position in the international market.

Development cooperation is also an area in which the question of what modern patriotism might look like arises. Supporting developing countries, promoting fair trade relations and working for global justice could be understood as patriotic tasks. This would involve taking on international responsibility while protecting one's own interests.