How to Deal with Racism, Sexism and Antisemitism in Works of Classical German Philosophy? (Self-)Critical History of Philosphy as a Project of "Public Philosophy"

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Andrea Marlen Esser
• Subject Area: Practical Philosophy ; History of Philosophy
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 497527124

There are passages and treatises in the philosophical tradition which we (at least from today’s perspective) cannot but judge as racist, sexist, or antisemitic (rsa). The research project intends to establish a critical and self-critical involvement of philosophy with its own history, its traditions, and its institutional practice in the light of such rsa patterns. On the one hand, it seeks to contribute critically to the contemporary international and interdisciplinary scientific discussion about racism, sexism, and antisemitism (rsa) by offering a genuinely philosophical perspective. On the other hand, it is meant to further the development of philosophy as discipline, institution, and field of public interest by integrating insights from this interdisciplinary research and by developing new formats of interactive philosophical practice.The project will consist of the following tasks: (a) It will outline the framework of a (self-)critical historiography of philosophy that will be demonstrated with reference to exemplary central works of Classical German Philosophy. This framework will be based on a conception of political reflective judgment. (b) The project will compile, edit and analyse sources and examples of philosophical texts of Classical German Philosophy with regard to their rsa aspects. It will also scrutinize the corresponding research debates as to their premises and patterns of argumentation. (c) In order to sustainably integrate reflection on rsa within philosophical research and teaching, the project aims at developing innovative practical formats involving both the scientific community and experts in teaching methodology. (d) Lastly, it will outline a procedural conception of Public Philosophy which allows for a productive communication and mediation between academic philosophical discourse and public debate.

• DFG Programme: Reinhart Koselleck Projects