Die Wertlosigkeit der Jurisprudenz als Wissenschaft, published in 1848, established Julius von Kirchmann as a provocative voice in German intellectual circles. By arguing that jurisprudence lacked the rigorous qualities of a true science, he challenged established legal traditions. This critique served as a foundation for a career that bridged the divide between professional legal practice and abstract philosophical inquiry.
Academic and Legal Foundation
Born in 1802 in Schafstädt, near Bad Lauchstädt, Kirchmann received his education at two major institutions: Leipzig University and Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. His early training prepared him for a multifaceted professional life. By 1846, he held the position of state's attorney within the criminal court of Berlin. His work in the capital provided the practical experience that later fueled his skepticism regarding the academic treatment of legal systems.
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Kirchmann transitioned into politics during a period of significant legislative flux. In 1848, he secured a seat in the Prussian National Assembly. His parliamentary involvement continued in the following decades as he served in the Customs Parliament. Between 1871 and 1876, he represented the German Progress Party as a member of the Reichstag for the German Empire. These roles allowed him to participate directly in the governance of the nation while maintaining his dual identity as a jurist and a thinker.
Philosophical Contributions
As a philosopher, Kirchmann sought to mediate the tension between idealism and realism. His writing career included works such as Ueber Unsterblichkeit, published in 1865, and Aesthetik auf realistischer Grundlage, which appeared in 1868. Beyond original treatises, he contributed significantly to the dissemination of historical texts. He edited a notable edition of Immanuel Kant starting in 1868 and produced a translation of Thomas Hobbes’ De Cive in 1873. His efforts extended to translating other influential thinkers, including Roger Bacon, Hugo Grotius, David Hume, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, Baruch Spinoza, and parts of Aristotle.
Fast facts
- Born: 1802, Bad Lauchstädt/Schafstädt
- Died: 1884, Berlin
- Nationality: Kingdom of Saxony
- Education: Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Leipzig University
- Key Publication: Die Wertlosigkeit der Jurisprudenz als Wissenschaft
- Political Party: German Progress Party
- Legislative roles: Prussian National Assembly, Customs Parliament, Reichstag
Questions readers ask
What was Kirchmann's view on law?
He famously posited that law is fugacious, noting that three words from a legislature can destroy entire libraries.
What was his primary philosophical objective?
He aimed to create a philosophical framework that mediated between realism and idealism.
