History of Materialism and Critique of its Present Importance, published in 1866, serves as the definitive text of Friedrich Albert Lange, a thinker whose career spanned journalism, sociology, and academia within the Kingdom of Prussia. Born in 1828 in Wald, he emerged as a central figure in the intellectual debates of his era through his critique of metaphysical systems.
Early Career and Political Suppression
Lange attended the University of Bonn before beginning a career as a schoolmaster. His tenure in Cologne and Duisburg ended abruptly when he refused to abandon political activities, as state mandates forbade educators from participating in public affairs. This shift pushed him into journalism, where he edited the Rhein- und Ruhr-Zeitung and campaigned for social reforms, specifically demanding the resignation of Bismarck.
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During the mid-1860s, Lange involved himself in the Association of German Labour Unions. His support for socialist leader Ferdinand Lassalle marked his commitment to worker rights, despite his later professional relocation to Switzerland. In 1869, he became a Privatdozent at the University of Zurich and subsequently took a professorship of inductive philosophy. His influence extended to the constitution of the Canton of Zurich, which he helped draft to include direct democratic measures such as referendums.
The Marburg School and Philosophical Legacy
In 1872, Lange accepted a position at the University of Marburg. He is frequently cited as a founder of the Marburg School of neo-Kantianism alongside his student, Hermann Cohen. His philosophical work focused on the Kantian premise that humans can only understand phenomena, suggesting that while materialism serves scientific progress, it cannot offer absolute truths. His Logische Studien, released posthumously in 1877, further developed his theories on logic.
Fast facts
- Born: 1828, Wald
- Died: 1875, Marburg
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Prussia
- University of Bonn graduate
- Key work: History of Materialism and Critique of its Present Importance
- Buried: Main Cemetery of Marburg
Questions readers ask
What was Lange's stance on materialism?
Lange argued that while materialism provided valuable scientific methods, it could not claim to possess ultimate metaphysical truth.
Which universities employed Lange?
He held positions at the University of Bonn, the University of Zurich, and the University of Marburg.
Achievements
- Notable work: History of Materialism and Critique of its Present Importance
- Held posts at University of Bonn, University of Zurich and University of Marburg
