Kant, Herder, and the birth of anthropology; Anthropology and antihumanism in Imperial Germany

This essay review examines two recent books exploring the intersection of anthropology, history, and philosophy in late 18th- and early 19th-century Germany. The first, by Ulrich Dierse, focuses on Kant's influence on the nascent field of anthropology, arguing that his philosophical framework shaped early anthropological inquiries into human nature and cultural diversity. The second book, by Andrew Zimmerman, delves into the complex relationship between anthropology and antihumanism in Imperial Germany, highlighting the discipline's role in justifying colonial expansion and racial hierarchies. Evans critically analyzes both works, praising their meticulous scholarship while also raising questions about their interpretations of key figures and concepts. He suggests that further research is needed to fully understand the intricate connections between anthropological thought and the broader intellectual and political currents of the period

Art history · Citation · Library science · Sociology · Anthropology · Central European and Russian historical studies · Classics · Computer Science · German Literature and Culture Studies · History · Kantian Philosophy and Modern Interpretations