Versuch eines neuen Lehrgebäudes von den Seelen der Thiere, published in 1749, serves as the definitive text where Georg Friedrich Meier argued that non-human creatures possess sensory perceptions identical to those of humanity. This work remains a primary example of his attempt to expand philosophical discourse beyond the established boundaries of his era.
Academic Trajectory in Halle
Born in 1718 in Ammendorf/Beesen, Meier pursued his education in theology and philosophy at the University of Halle. During this formative period, he studied under Alexander Gottlieb Baumgarten. His professional tenure was defined by his long-term employment at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. Following his service as an extraordinary professor, he secured a position as a full professor in 1748. He also held membership in the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences, reflecting his standing within the German academic community of the eighteenth century.
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Meier operated as a follower of Baumgarten while simultaneously modifying the established philosophy of Christian Wolff. By integrating concepts from John Locke’s empiricist theory of knowledge, he sought to refine contemporary logical and metaphysical structures.
Theories on Animal Existence
The philosopher rejected the mechanist interpretations of René Descartes regarding living beings. He posited that animals possessed intelligence, memory, judgment, and emotional states such as pleasure or displeasure. According to his doctrine, animal souls were eternal, as he argued that divine power could not allow for their destruction. Interestingly, his rationale for animal rights was unconventional; he believed in metempsychosis, where souls progressed through incarnations. He viewed the death of animals as a mechanism to accelerate their evolution toward becoming human souls.
Literary and Philosophical Output
Beyond his work on animal souls, Meier addressed broader topics in logic and ethics. His Vernunftlehre and Auszug aus der Vernunftlehre appeared in 1752, followed by the five-volume Philosophische Sittenlehre between 1753 and 1761. His commitment to academic biography was evidenced by the publication of Alexander Gottlieb Baumgarten Leben in 1763. His later years included contributions such as the 1766 text on prejudices and his final consideration regarding the limits of human cognition, published in 1775. He died in 1777 at Giebichenstein.
Fast facts
- Born: 1718, Ammendorf/Beesen
- Died: 1777, Giebichenstein
- Occupation: Mathematician, university teacher, philosopher
- Employer: Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
- Languages: German
- Key Interest: Metaphysics
Questions readers ask
What was Meier's view on animal souls?
He believed animals possessed intelligence and eternal souls capable of evolving into human souls through a process of reincarnation.
Where did Meier conduct his academic career?
He worked at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, where he eventually became a full professor.
Achievements
- Held posts at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
