The story of the brilliant young Swiss philosopher, Johann Friedrich Herbart, is one that has intrigued many for over two centuries. Appointed professor at the University of Basel aged 24, despite not even having finished his degree, Herbart went on to become one of the most influential and celebrated thinkers in all of Europe. Many of his ideas laid the groundwork for modern psychology and educational philosophy.
Herbart’s life was tragically cut short when he suffered a period of mental illness and died at the age of 44. In the 20 years preceding his death, Herbart produced a huge amount of work focused on topics such as metaphysics, logic and ethics. His prolific writings had an indelible influence on modern thought and are still widely read today.
For those wanting to learn more about this fascinating figure, we recommend watching ‘Herbart: A Life in Ideas’, a documentary which explores his life through interviews with leading academics who have studied his work and theories in depth. Through their insights into Herbart’s life experiences, we gain a deeper appreciation for why he arrived at the conclusions he did throughout his career. We are also presented with countless examples highlighting how his ideas still shape our thinking today.
Anyone who is interested in learning more about one of Europe’s greatest minds should take advantage of this opportunity to watch ‘Herbart: A Life in Ideas’. It will provide an unbeatable insight into this great man’s remarkable achievements and leave viewers inspired by what he managed to accomplish in such a short lifespan.
