This introduction to the life, thought and influence of Johann Georg Hamann by Oswald Bayer sheds welcomed light on an obscure figure that should not be ignored. Hamann was a special genius who managed to be both a friend and critic of Kant. He was a man who took his faith seriously, and knew the Bible well. He also knew philosophy, he understood the strengths and weaknesses of the enlightenment perhaps better than most do today. He also understood scripture better than most clergy. It is interesting to note in Bayers introduction how much scripture and Luthers Small Catechism played a role in helping Hamann develop his critiques of contemporary philosophy. Hamann could read Kant and anticipate the questions it would bring about in two generations maybe three. Finally he understood that western culture ignores scripture to its own peril. That there are answers in the revelation of Gods word contained in scripture that uniquely show it to be what it claims to be, Gods word. If I had a critique of the book myself it would be that, where as it does a good job of explaining Hamanns thought and breaking it down into categories, it is rather light on Hamanns work itself. I would have liked more quotes, or maybe an appendix containing some of his more important works. I understand that there is a book of his works available in English. I would recommend Hamann: Writings on Philosophy and Language (Cambridge Texts in the History of Philosophy)as a companion. As I think reading this book in the absence of primary source material is more difficult than it needs to be. Yet, even reading this introduction to Hamann has the effect of changing ones perspective and though, and certainly makes me interested in reading what more I can get my hands on of Hamann. In other words, it has done its job
Posted on: Wed, 16 Oct 2013 13:37:02 +0000
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