The philosophical manuscripts of the mathematician Bernard Bolzano were entrusted to Robert von Zimmermann in 1848, marking a pivotal moment in his academic trajectory. Born in Prague in 1824, Zimmermann developed a career spanning mathematics, logic, aesthetics, and the history of philosophy, eventually becoming a prominent fixture in the intellectual life of the Austrian Empire and Cisleithania.
Academic Formation and Early Career
Zimmermann pursued his education at Charles University between 1840 and 1844, followed by studies at the University of Vienna from 1844 to 1846. His professional life began at the Vienna Observatory, where he served as a scientific assistant from 1847 to 1849. He transitioned into academia at Palacký University Olomouc, holding the position of extraordinary professor from 1849 to 1852.
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In 1852, he accepted a professorship at Charles University, which he held until 1861. During this period, he became the custodian of Bolzano's unpublished work, the Grössenlehre, holding these papers until donating them to the Austrian Academy of Sciences in 1882. Zimmermann relocated to the University of Vienna in 1861, remaining there as a professor until 1896. His administrative tenure included multiple terms as dean in 1860, 1865, 1866, 1876, and 1877, culminating in his service as rector for the 1886-1887 academic year.
Philosophical and Aesthetic Contributions
Zimmermann focused his research on the philosophy of law, logic, and aesthetics. He authored several foundational texts, including Philosophische Propädeutik in 1852, the Geschichte der Ästhetik als philosophische Wissenschaft in 1858, and the 1865 work, Allgemeine Ästhetik als Formwissenschaft. His later output included the two-volume Studien und Kritiken zur Philosophie und Ästhetik in 1870 and the 1882 publication Anthroposophie. One notable student during his time in Vienna was Kazimierz Twardowski.
Recognition and Legacy
Throughout his career, Zimmermann contributed to the Royal Czech Society of Sciences and the Grillparzer-Gesellschaft. His public service and academic standing led to his ennoblement in 1896 and his appointment as a Knight of the Order of Leopold in 1889. Following his death in Prague in 1898, he was buried at the Vienna Central Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1824, Prague
- Died: 1898, Prague
- Primary Language: German
- Academic Degrees: Doctor of Philosophy
- Major Award: Knight of the Order of Leopold (1889)
- Professional Membership: Austrian Academy of Sciences
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Robert von Zimmermann teach?
He focused on logic, aesthetics, the history of philosophy, and the philosophy of law.
Where is he buried?
He is interred at the Vienna Central Cemetery.
Achievements
- Knight of the Order of Leopold — 1889
- Held posts at University of Vienna, Charles University and Palacký University Olomouc
- Fields: philosophy of law, history of philosophy and aesthetics
