Grete Hermann: From Mathematics and Physics to Politics and Ethics. A Case Study on Doing Integrated History and Philosophy of Science

• Applicant: Dr. Andrea Reichenberger
• Subject Area: History of Science ; History of Philosophy ; Practical Philosophy ; Theoretical Philosophy
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 550233858

The need for a reevaluation of the contributions that women made to quantum physics and its philosophical interpretation is currently becoming increasingly visible. This project makes a significant contribution to this increasingly important research field through a case study on Grete Hermann (1901–1984). While her name has been prominently featured as a principal figure here, historians and philosophers have so far merely provided a partial picture of her work. This research project aims at closing this gap by making Grete Hermann’s life and work visible, thereby shifting the focus from Hermann’s Neo-Kantianism to her twofold role as philosopher-scientist and policy-maker against the background of an integrated history and philosophy of science. Filling so-far woefully neglected gaps constitutes an essential enhancement to the history and philosophy of women researchers and the complex interplay between philosophy, science, and politics. At the same time, this project deepens our understanding of ethics and rationality in both philosophy and science.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants