Samuel von Pufendorf belongs to the philosophical record as a figure whose arguments outlasted the disputes that prompted them.
The record lists Samuel von Pufendorf as German philosopher (1632–1694).
Samuel von Pufendorf was born at Dorfchemnitz in 1632. His recorded nationality is Electorate of Saxony. He studied at Leipzig University and University of Jena.
This was the century in which philosophy separated itself from theology and began to ask what could be known with certainty.
His academic posts were held at Lund University and Heidelberg University.
His principal work is On the Duty of Man and Citizen According to Natural Law. Philosophy advances by objection: an argument matters if serious people spend years attacking it.
That the work was done from Electorate of Saxony matters: philosophical traditions, institutions and the language of publication have never been evenly distributed.
Samuel von Pufendorf died in 1694, aged 62. The arguments remain in print, which is the form in which philosophy survives.
Achievements
- Notable work: On the Duty of Man and Citizen According to Natural Law
- Held posts at Lund University and Heidelberg University
