Zur Psychologie der logischen Grundtatsachen served as the doctoral thesis for Heinrich Gomperz in 1896, marking the beginning of his academic career under the supervision of Ernst Mach. Born in 1873 in Vienna, he built a life defined by extensive research in classical philology and philosophy, eventually influencing the intellectual climate of the University of Vienna.
Academic Formation and Early Research
Gomperz began his legal studies at the University of Vienna in 1891. He transitioned to church history at the University of Berlin, studying under Adolf Harnack, before returning to Vienna to pursue classical philology and philosophy. Following his 1896 doctorate, he completed his habilitation in Bern in 1900 with a focus on the nature of the world as an ordered event. His early output included works such as Kritik des Hedonismus in 1898 and Weltanschauungslehre in 1905.
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Starting in 1905, Gomperz served as a private lecturer in Vienna. He ascended to the position of associate professor in 1920 and achieved the rank of full professor of philosophy from 1924 until 1934. His research centered on the history of ancient philosophy and his standing as a representative of empirio-criticism. During his tenure, he maintained professional ties with the Vienna Circle and published multiple works, including Psychologische Beobachtungen an griechischen Philosophen and Die indische Theosophie vom geschichtlichen Standpunkt gemeinverständlich dargestellt.
Displacement and Later Years
Political developments under the Austrofascist regime resulted in his forced retirement in 1934, motivated by his Jewish heritage. He relocated in 1935 with the assistance of F. C. S. Schiller. During his final years, he held a visiting professorship at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He continued his academic output until his death in 1942, collaborating on later collections of his philosophical studies.
Fast facts
- Born: 1873, Vienna
- Died: 1942, Los Angeles
- Doctoral Advisor: Ernst Mach
- Academic Tenure: 1924–1934, University of Vienna
- Spouse: Adele Stepnitz
- Nationality: Austria-Hungary
Questions readers ask
What was Heinrich Gomperz's main field of study?
He specialized in the history of ancient philosophy and was a late representative of empirio-criticism.
Why was Gomperz forced into retirement in 1934?
He was forced into retirement under the Austrofascist regime due to his Jewish heritage.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Vienna
