The French Academy recognized Reiner Schürmann with the Broquette-Gonin prize in 1977, distinguishing his autobiographical study of pilgrimage and identity, Origins. Born in Amsterdam in 1941 to German parents, Schürmann developed a philosophical trajectory that spanned Catholic theology and the radical critique of metaphysical principles, eventually establishing his intellectual base in New York City.
Ecclesiastical and Academic Formation
Schürmann completed his early studies in philosophy and theology alongside the Dominicans at Le Centre d'études du Saulchoir between 1962 and 1969. In 1981, he earned a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Paris. His initial professional tenure in the United States began in 1971, where he served as a Catholic priest and faculty member at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., followed by a teaching role at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.
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By 1975, Schürmann departed from the priesthood and relocated to New York City. He joined the faculty of The New School for Social Research, working as a protégé of Hannah Arendt and Hans Jonas. He remained in this position for the duration of his life, producing the majority of his significant work in French while exploring themes of singularity, non-foundational praxis, and the anarchy of being and action.
Key Philosophical Contributions
His primary research focused on the intersection of Heideggerian thought and contemporary continental philosophy. In Heidegger on Being and Acting: From Principles to Anarchy, he scrutinized the tension between the thinker's personal beliefs and his philosophical findings. His posthumous manuscript, Broken Hegemonies, was published in 1996 through the efforts of Gérard Granel. Diaphanes has since released extensive collections of his lectures and writings, including essays on Marx, Foucault, and medieval figures such as Meister Eckhart.
Fast facts
- Born: 1941, Amsterdam
- Died: 1993, New York City
- Citizenship: Germany
- Education: University of Paris
- Major Award: Broquette-Gonin prize (1977)
- Primary Occupations: Philosopher, Catholic priest, university teacher
- Key Publication: Broken Hegemonies
- Academic Employers: The New School for Social Research, Duquesne University, The Catholic University of America
Questions readers ask
In which language did Schürmann write his major works?
He wrote all of his major published works in French.
What was the cause of Reiner Schürmann's death?
He died on August 20, 1993, due to complications associated with HIV/AIDS.
Achievements
- Broquette-Gonin prize — 1977
- Notable work: Broken Hegemonies
- Notable work: Origins
- Notable work: Heidegger on Being and Acting: From Principles to Anarchy
- Held posts at The Catholic University of America and Duquesne University
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