Jean Wahl: the story on HearLore

Hegelian And Kierkegaardian Revolutions

The year 1929 brought Jean Wahl's name into controversy with the publication of Le malheur de la conscience dans la Philosophie de Hegel. At a time when most French philosophers ignored German idealism, Wahl argued passionately for Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel's relevance. Alexandre Kojève would later become famous for his lectures on Hegel, but Wahl had already introduced these ideas years earlier through his own writings. He also turned his attention to Søren Kierkegaard, publishing Études kierkegaardiennes in 1938. These works challenged the dominant intellectual currents of the era. Georges Bataille included an article by Wahl titled Nietzsche and the Death of God in the second issue of Acéphale. This piece explored Karl Jaspers' interpretation of Nietzsche while reflecting Wahl's own anti-systematic philosophy. His enthusiasm for these thinkers influenced Gilles Deleuze, Emmanuel Levinas, and Jean-Paul Sartre despite the initial resistance they faced from academic circles.

When was Jean Wahl born and when did he die?

Jean Wahl lived from 1888 to 1974. He entered the École Normale Supérieure in Paris during a period of rigid academic traditions before his death.

What major book did Jean Wahl publish on Descartes in 1920?

Jean Wahl published Du rôle de l'idée de l'instant dans la Philosophie de Descartes in 1920. This publication marked the beginning of a career dedicated to concrete philosophical inquiry over abstract systems.

Which philosopher did Jean Wahl introduce to France years before Alexandre Kojève became famous for Hegel lectures?

Jean Wahl introduced Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel to French philosophy years before Alexandre Kojève gained fame for his lectures on Hegel. His 1929 work Le malheur de la conscience dans la Philosophie de Hegel argued passionately for Hegel's relevance.

Where did Jean Wahl teach between 1936 and 1967?

Jean Wahl taught at the Sorbonne from 1936 until 1967. His tenure included interruptions caused by the war years but he remained an influential figure in academic life after World War II ended.

When did Jean Wahl found the Collège philosophique as an alternative to traditional university structures?

Jean Wahl founded the Collège philosophique in 1946 as an alternative to traditional university structures. This center attracted non-conformist intellectuals seeking new forms of philosophical discourse.

Jean Wahl.