German thought and culture - Hans J Hahn

This book provides an introduction to the complex genesis of Germany's intellectual identity, focusing on themes of a cultural, historical, philosophical and literary nature.;As Goethe and Schiller noted in 1796; "Germany? But where does one find her? ... Where her learning begins, her politics end." German identity has always been a problem, and one which has come to the fore again with German unification and with Germany's role in Europe and the wider world.;Whilst many academic courses focus on the 20th century, this book provides a much wider perspective on Germany's cultural past. Topics include: the legacy of the medieval Holy Roman Empire; German Protestantism; the German response to the Enlightenment; nationalism and the "Sonderweg" debate; the significance of education for social development and the emergence of a German bourgeoisie.;Key figures in philosophy, history, politics and literature are introduced, and each chapter is supplemented by an "Arbeitsteil" of annotated texts in German, followed by further material for individual study. For foundation and "A" level courses in German studies, this text also provides source material for more advanced students.