Love, death, and revolution in Central Europe : Ludwig Feuerbach, Moses Hess, Louise Dittmar, Richard Wagner

The philosopher of religion and critic of idealism, Ludwig Feuerbach had a far-reaching impact on German radicalism around the time of the Revolution of 1848. This intellectual history explores how Feuerbach’s critique of religion served as a rallying point for radicals, and how they paradoxically sought to create a new, post-religious form of religiosity as part of the revolutionary aim. At issue for the Feuerbachian radicals was the emergence of a humanity emancipated from the constraints of mere institutions, able to express itself freely and harmoniously. Caldwell also touches on Moses Hess, Louise Dittmar, and Richard Wagner in his discussion of the time. This book reconstructs the nature of Feuerbach’s radicalism and shows how it influenced early works of socialism, feminism, and musical modernism. The philosopher of religion and critic of idealism, Ludwig Feuerbach had a far-reaching impact on German radicalism around the time of the Revolution of 1848. This intellectual history explores how Feuerbach s critique of religion served as a rallying point for radicals, and how they paradoxically sought to create a new, post-religious form of religiosity as part of the revolutionary aim. At issue for the Feuerbachian radicals was the emergence of a humanity emancipated from the constraints of mere institutions, able to express itself freely and harmoniously. Caldwell also touches on Moses Hess, Louise Dittmar, and Richard Wagner in his discussion of the time. Thisbook reconstructs the nature of Feuerbach s radicalism and shows how it influenced early works of socialism, feminism, and musical modernism. Cover......Page 1 Contents......Page 8 Acknowledgments......Page 10 Abbreviations......Page 12 Introduction: Love, Death, and Ludwig Feuerbach’s Philosophy of Revolution......Page 14 1 Feuerbachian Radicalism: The Finitude of the World and Infinite Human Potential......Page 26 2 Moses Hess, Love, and “True Socialism”......Page 52 3 Louise Dittmar, Myth, and Marriage......Page 82 4 Richard Wagner, Love, and Death......Page 108 5 Ethics and Finitude in the Late Feuerbach......Page 132 Conclusion: The Feuerbachian Moment......Page 158 Notes......Page 170 Bibliography......Page 218 C......Page 232 G......Page 233 L......Page 234 N......Page 235 S......Page 236 Z......Page 237 Love, Death, And Ludwig Feuerbach's Philosophy Of Revolution -- Feuerbachian Radicalism : The Finitude Of The World And Infinite Human Potential -- Moses Hess, Love, And True Socialism -- Louise Dittmar, Myth, And Marriage -- Richard Wagner, Love, And Death -- Ethics And Finitude In The Late Feuerbach. Peter C. Caldwell. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [205]-218) And Index.