Wolfgang Heise: Marxist philosopher erased from post-reunification canon
Wolfgang Heise, a DDR philosopher who understood Marxism as an extension of the Enlightenment, was one of many intellectuals removed from academic canons after German reunification. In the winter of 1990/91, the Berlin Senate decided to 'wind up' several Marxist-Leninist-tainted departments at Humboldt University, including philosophy, law, history, political economy, and pedagogy, based on the Unification Treaty. The university successfully challenged this in court; the Berlin Higher Administrative Court prohibited blanket dismissals and forced individual reviews. Heise's questions about social crises remain relevant today.
Key facts
- Wolfgang Heise was a DDR philosopher.
- He viewed Marxism as an extension of the Enlightenment.
- After reunification, many DDR philosophers were removed from the canon.
- The Berlin Senate decided to wind up Marxist-Leninist departments at Humboldt University.
- The decision affected philosophy, law, history, political economy, and pedagogy.
- The Unification Treaty allowed the closure of entire institutions.
- Humboldt University successfully challenged the decision in court.
- The Berlin Higher Administrative Court prohibited blanket dismissals.
Entities
Artists
- Wolfgang Heise
Institutions
- Humboldt-Universität
- Berliner Senat
- Oberverwaltungsgericht Berlin
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany