The curation of Martin Heidegger’s complete works served as a primary focus for Friedrich-Wilhelm von Herrmann, a German philosopher who dedicated his career to the rigorous study of phenomenology and hermeneutics. Born in Potsdam in 1934, he spent decades at the University of Freiburg, where he transitioned from a student and assistant into a long-serving professor of philosophy.
Academic Formation and Early Career
After completing his Abitur at the Wald-Oberschule in Berlin-Grunewald, Herrmann enrolled at the Free University Berlin, where he studied from 1955 to 1957. He subsequently transferred to the University of Freiburg. In 1961, he obtained his doctorate under the supervision of Eugen Fink. He remained at the university to serve as Fink’s assistant until 1970, the same year he completed his habilitation. This established the foundation for his lectureship and eventual professorship.
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Between 1972 and 1976, Herrmann worked directly with Martin Heidegger. During this period, Heidegger appointed him as the curator for the philosopher’s complete edition of works, a project initiated in 1975 that remains ongoing. This appointment solidified his role as an authority on Heidegger's thought, leading him to teach the material to international audiences throughout the remainder of his life.
Philosophy and Publications
Herrmann’s scholarly output included extensive commentaries on Heidegger's texts, such as his 2019 commentary on Vom Ereignis. He also explored political and social themes, collaborating with Francesco Alfieri to edit correspondence between Heidegger and his brother Fritz. Their joint research resulted in the 2017 publication Die Wahrheit über die “Schwarzen Hefte”, which was later translated as Martin Heidegger and the Truth About the “Black Notebooks” in 2021.
Teaching and Final Years
Herrmann served as a professor at the University of Freiburg from 1979 until his transition to professor emeritus status in 1999. His marriage to Veronika née Müeller-Osthaus preceded his later years. He passed away on 2 August 2022 at a clinic in Freiburg, following a heart attack, at the age of 87.
Fast facts
- Born: 1934, Potsdam
- Died: 2 August 2022, Freiburg im Breisgau
- Nationality: German
- Primary Occupation: University teacher and philosopher
- Key Academic Employer: University of Freiburg
- Academic Supervision: Eugen Fink
- Emeritus status: 1999
- Fields of expertise: Phenomenology and hermeneutics
Questions readers ask
What was the nature of Herrmann's work with Martin Heidegger?
Herrmann worked personally with Heidegger from 1972 until 1976 and was appointed as the curator for the ongoing complete edition of Heidegger's works.
Where did Herrmann hold his academic positions?
He worked at the University of Freiburg, where he served as an assistant, a lecturer, and eventually as a professor from 1979 until his emeritus status in 1999.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Freiburg
- Fields: philosophy, hermeneutics and phenomenology
