[The Historical Worldview of Arnold J. Toynbee]: Friedrich Engel-Janosi analyzes Arnold J. Toynbee's historical worldview, situating it within the tradition of cyclical historical theories alongside thinkers like Polybius, Vico, and Spengler. He distinguishes Toynbee's approach from the linear Jewish-Christian progress model and the romantic immanentist view of Ranke. The essay explores Toynbee's core concepts such as 'Withdrawal and Return' and 'Challenge and Response,' while highlighting his rejection of Spenglerian determinism in favor of human freedom and religious influence. Engel-Janosi also discusses Toynbee's methodology, which incorporates myth and diverse cultural sources, and his 'dwarfing of Europe' by treating all 21 identified civilizations as equally valid units of study. [Franz Brentano and Positivism: Scientific Method in Philosophy]: Alfred Kastil examines Franz Brentano's relationship with positivism, specifically his adoption of natural science methods for philosophical inquiry. Brentano critiques the 'concept-poetry' of German Idealists (Fichte, Schelling, Hegel) and partially aligns with Auguste Comte's positivism, though he rejects Comte's dismissal of metaphysics. Kastil details Brentano's theory of the four phases of philosophy (ascent followed by three stages of decay: dogmatism, skepticism, and mysticism) and his application of descriptive psychology and linguistic criticism to purge ontology of 'fictitious entities.' The segment concludes by contrasting Brentano's epistemological foundations with the 'pre-suppositionless' starting points of modern neopositivists. [Kritik der neopositivistischen Begriffs- und Erfahrungslehre]: The author critiques Neopositivist definitions of concepts and names, arguing they conflate linguistic and conceptual differences. It specifically addresses the identification of sensation with the object sensed, citing the evolution of Bertrand Russell's views and Oskar Kraus's critique. The text introduces Brentano's distinction between primary and secondary objects of perception to resolve the confusion between 'given' as recognized versus 'given' as merely intuited. [Induktion, Hypothese und die Grenzen des Positivismus]: This section examines the role of induction and hypotheses in scientific knowledge, challenging the Neopositivist reliance on 'protocol sentences.' The author argues that most scientific observations already contain hypothetical elements. Drawing on Brentano, the text explores the logic of induction, the calculation of probability, and critiques the Positivist rejection of questions regarding the external world as 'meaningless,' suggesting this leads to a form of skepticism or materialism. [Der Mensch und die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung]: Ferdinand Degenfeld-Schonburg analyzes the factors driving economic development, focusing on population growth, division of labor, and technological progress. He argues against economic determinism, emphasizing the 'human factor'—the will and intelligence of individuals, particularly the entrepreneur and the economic policymaker. The essay discusses the role of education, the 'capitalist spirit,' and the necessity of leadership even in planned or socialist economies. [Individuum und Gemeinschaft in der modernen französischen Literatur]: Roger Bauer traces the evolution of French literature from the 'Narcissism' of the early 20th century (Gide, Valéry) to the 'committed literature' (littérature engagée) of the post-war era (Sartre, Camus). He explores how the focus shifted from the isolated, self-absorbed individual to an individual who finds meaning through solidarity and social responsibility. The essay analyzes major works by Proust, Malraux, Saint-Exupéry, and Martin du Gard to illustrate this transition from 'I' to 'We.' [Welle oder Korpuskel? Der Dualismus in der Physik]: Gotthard Barth examines the wave-particle dualism and energy quantization, arguing that these are not exclusive to atomic physics but have analogies in classical macrophysics. He critiques the reliance on mechanical models for non-mechanical phenomena like light. The text suggests that the 'indivisibility' of atoms is a relative concept and that the dual nature of matter and energy is a fundamental characteristic of nature across different scales, from locomotives to electrons. [Richard Strauss und Hans Pfitzner: Eine Generationenanalyse]: Ludwig K. Mayer provides a comparative analysis of Richard Strauss and Hans Pfitzner within the framework of Alfred Lorenz's generation theory. He discusses the transition from the time-oriented, subjective Romantic era to a new space-oriented, objective period (New Classicism) around 1910. The segment explores the early influences on Strauss, contrasting his conservative upbringing with the revolutionary impact of Wagner, and sets the stage for evaluating both composers as bridge-builders between musical epochs. [Richard Strauss: From Program Music to Neoclassicism]: This segment traces the artistic evolution of Richard Strauss from his early conservative roots to his mastery of the symphonic poem and his eventual turn toward neoclassical opera. It highlights his synthesis of Liszt's program music with absolute musical forms and discusses the pivotal shift in his style following 'Elektra', leading to the 'Rosenkavalier' and a simplified tonal language influenced by the Baroque and Mozart. [Hans Pfitzner: The Ideal of Vocal Music and Absolute Mastery]: A comparative analysis of Hans Pfitzner, contrasting his stylistic consistency and focus on the 'Lied' with Strauss's more varied development. The text explores Pfitzner's aesthetic of vocal music, where word and tone become one, and examines his major works including 'Palestrina' and his late instrumental compositions, noting his preference for linear polyphony over Strauss's homophonic tendencies. [Annotations and Editorial Notices]: Detailed bibliographic references for the preceding essays on Strauss and Pfitzner, followed by editorial announcements. It includes an obituary for Professor Otto Kauders, highlighting his contributions to psychiatry, neurology, and the Austrian Society for Psychic Hygiene. [Robert Reininger's 80th Birthday: A Philosophical Profile]: A tribute to philosopher Robert Reininger on his 80th birthday, detailing his academic career at the University of Vienna and his systematic contributions to philosophical idealism. The segment explains his concepts of 'Urerlebnis' (primal experience), the psychophysical problem, and his ethical stance influenced by Kant and Nietzsche, emphasizing the 'idealism of interiority'. [Medical and Scientific Conference Reports]: Reports from two major medical conferences: the first meeting of the Austrian Chapter of the International College of Surgeons and the First Austrian Cancer Conference. Topics include neurosurgery, advances in esophageal cancer treatment, the role of hormones in oncology, and various theories on the biological origins of cancer, including the influence of 'climacteric years'. [The Law of Causality: Physical vs. Philosophical Principle]: A philosophical investigation into the nature of causality, debating whether it is a physical or metaphysical principle. It contrasts 'classical' deterministic causality with the statistical causality of modern atomic physics, arguing that causality remains a necessary ontological foundation for science that can only be fully grounded in metaphysics. [Practical Psychology and Literary History]: This segment covers an international conference on practical psychology in Traunkirchen, focusing on the shift from mechanical psychotechnics to holistic personality assessment. It also includes a review of Erich Auerbach's 'Mimesis', discussing the representation of reality in Western literature as a reflection of the evolving European spirit. [Georg Christoph Lichtenberg: Master of Aphorism]: A commemorative essay on the 150th anniversary of G.C. Lichtenberg's death. It explores his life as a physicist and philosopher, his critique of 'Enlightenment' excesses, his opposition to Lavater's physiognomy, and his mastery of the aphorism. The text emphasizes Lichtenberg's 'existential' focus on concrete reality and his modern critique of language. [Book Reviews: Philosophy, Biology, and History]: A collection of critical reviews of contemporary academic works. Key reviews include Leo Gabriel's 'Logik der Weltanschauung' (integral logic), Ludwig von Bertalanffy's 'Das biologische Weltbild' (organismic biology), and studies on St. Francis of Assisi, Oscar Wilde, and Josef Weinheber, as well as Michael Babits's history of European literature. [Book Reviews: Law, Sociology, and Economics]: Reviews of significant works in the social sciences, including Erwin Melichar on Canon Law, Josef Esser's introduction to legal concepts, Bronislaw Malinowski on primitive law, and R.H. Tawney's 'Religion and the Rise of Capitalism'. It also covers economic textbooks by Alexander Mahr and Otto Weinberger. [Book Reviews: Science, Ethnology, and Cultural History]: Final set of reviews covering diverse topics: a biography of Isaac Newton, quantum physics in medicine, the 'language' of inorganic matter, and major ethnological studies by Wilhelm Schmidt, Wilhelm Koppers, Paul Schebesta, and Martin Gusinde on Asian and African peoples. It concludes with a review of Upper Austrian folklore and a list of new publications.
Friedrich Engel-Janosi analyzes Arnold J. Toynbee's historical worldview, situating it within the tradition of cyclical historical theories alongside thinkers like Polybius, Vico, and Spengler. He distinguishes Toynbee's approach from the linear Jewish-Christian progress model and the romantic immanentist view of Ranke. The essay explores Toynbee's core concepts such as 'Withdrawal and Return' and 'Challenge and Response,' while highlighting his rejection of Spenglerian determinism in favor of human freedom and religious influence. Engel-Janosi also discusses Toynbee's methodology, which incorporates myth and diverse cultural sources, and his 'dwarfing of Europe' by treating all 21 identified civilizations as equally valid units of study.
Read full textAlfred Kastil examines Franz Brentano's relationship with positivism, specifically his adoption of natural science methods for philosophical inquiry. Brentano critiques the 'concept-poetry' of German Idealists (Fichte, Schelling, Hegel) and partially aligns with Auguste Comte's positivism, though he rejects Comte's dismissal of metaphysics. Kastil details Brentano's theory of the four phases of philosophy (ascent followed by three stages of decay: dogmatism, skepticism, and mysticism) and his application of descriptive psychology and linguistic criticism to purge ontology of 'fictitious entities.' The segment concludes by contrasting Brentano's epistemological foundations with the 'pre-suppositionless' starting points of modern neopositivists.
Read full textThe author critiques Neopositivist definitions of concepts and names, arguing they conflate linguistic and conceptual differences. It specifically addresses the identification of sensation with the object sensed, citing the evolution of Bertrand Russell's views and Oskar Kraus's critique. The text introduces Brentano's distinction between primary and secondary objects of perception to resolve the confusion between 'given' as recognized versus 'given' as merely intuited.
Read full textThis section examines the role of induction and hypotheses in scientific knowledge, challenging the Neopositivist reliance on 'protocol sentences.' The author argues that most scientific observations already contain hypothetical elements. Drawing on Brentano, the text explores the logic of induction, the calculation of probability, and critiques the Positivist rejection of questions regarding the external world as 'meaningless,' suggesting this leads to a form of skepticism or materialism.
Read full textFerdinand Degenfeld-Schonburg analyzes the factors driving economic development, focusing on population growth, division of labor, and technological progress. He argues against economic determinism, emphasizing the 'human factor'—the will and intelligence of individuals, particularly the entrepreneur and the economic policymaker. The essay discusses the role of education, the 'capitalist spirit,' and the necessity of leadership even in planned or socialist economies.
Read full textRoger Bauer traces the evolution of French literature from the 'Narcissism' of the early 20th century (Gide, Valéry) to the 'committed literature' (littérature engagée) of the post-war era (Sartre, Camus). He explores how the focus shifted from the isolated, self-absorbed individual to an individual who finds meaning through solidarity and social responsibility. The essay analyzes major works by Proust, Malraux, Saint-Exupéry, and Martin du Gard to illustrate this transition from 'I' to 'We.'
Read full textGotthard Barth examines the wave-particle dualism and energy quantization, arguing that these are not exclusive to atomic physics but have analogies in classical macrophysics. He critiques the reliance on mechanical models for non-mechanical phenomena like light. The text suggests that the 'indivisibility' of atoms is a relative concept and that the dual nature of matter and energy is a fundamental characteristic of nature across different scales, from locomotives to electrons.
Read full textLudwig K. Mayer provides a comparative analysis of Richard Strauss and Hans Pfitzner within the framework of Alfred Lorenz's generation theory. He discusses the transition from the time-oriented, subjective Romantic era to a new space-oriented, objective period (New Classicism) around 1910. The segment explores the early influences on Strauss, contrasting his conservative upbringing with the revolutionary impact of Wagner, and sets the stage for evaluating both composers as bridge-builders between musical epochs.
Read full textThis segment traces the artistic evolution of Richard Strauss from his early conservative roots to his mastery of the symphonic poem and his eventual turn toward neoclassical opera. It highlights his synthesis of Liszt's program music with absolute musical forms and discusses the pivotal shift in his style following 'Elektra', leading to the 'Rosenkavalier' and a simplified tonal language influenced by the Baroque and Mozart.
Read full textA comparative analysis of Hans Pfitzner, contrasting his stylistic consistency and focus on the 'Lied' with Strauss's more varied development. The text explores Pfitzner's aesthetic of vocal music, where word and tone become one, and examines his major works including 'Palestrina' and his late instrumental compositions, noting his preference for linear polyphony over Strauss's homophonic tendencies.
Read full textDetailed bibliographic references for the preceding essays on Strauss and Pfitzner, followed by editorial announcements. It includes an obituary for Professor Otto Kauders, highlighting his contributions to psychiatry, neurology, and the Austrian Society for Psychic Hygiene.
Read full textA tribute to philosopher Robert Reininger on his 80th birthday, detailing his academic career at the University of Vienna and his systematic contributions to philosophical idealism. The segment explains his concepts of 'Urerlebnis' (primal experience), the psychophysical problem, and his ethical stance influenced by Kant and Nietzsche, emphasizing the 'idealism of interiority'.
Read full textReports from two major medical conferences: the first meeting of the Austrian Chapter of the International College of Surgeons and the First Austrian Cancer Conference. Topics include neurosurgery, advances in esophageal cancer treatment, the role of hormones in oncology, and various theories on the biological origins of cancer, including the influence of 'climacteric years'.
Read full textA philosophical investigation into the nature of causality, debating whether it is a physical or metaphysical principle. It contrasts 'classical' deterministic causality with the statistical causality of modern atomic physics, arguing that causality remains a necessary ontological foundation for science that can only be fully grounded in metaphysics.
Read full textThis segment covers an international conference on practical psychology in Traunkirchen, focusing on the shift from mechanical psychotechnics to holistic personality assessment. It also includes a review of Erich Auerbach's 'Mimesis', discussing the representation of reality in Western literature as a reflection of the evolving European spirit.
Read full textA commemorative essay on the 150th anniversary of G.C. Lichtenberg's death. It explores his life as a physicist and philosopher, his critique of 'Enlightenment' excesses, his opposition to Lavater's physiognomy, and his mastery of the aphorism. The text emphasizes Lichtenberg's 'existential' focus on concrete reality and his modern critique of language.
Read full textA collection of critical reviews of contemporary academic works. Key reviews include Leo Gabriel's 'Logik der Weltanschauung' (integral logic), Ludwig von Bertalanffy's 'Das biologische Weltbild' (organismic biology), and studies on St. Francis of Assisi, Oscar Wilde, and Josef Weinheber, as well as Michael Babits's history of European literature.
Read full textReviews of significant works in the social sciences, including Erwin Melichar on Canon Law, Josef Esser's introduction to legal concepts, Bronislaw Malinowski on primitive law, and R.H. Tawney's 'Religion and the Rise of Capitalism'. It also covers economic textbooks by Alexander Mahr and Otto Weinberger.
Read full textFinal set of reviews covering diverse topics: a biography of Isaac Newton, quantum physics in medicine, the 'language' of inorganic matter, and major ethnological studies by Wilhelm Schmidt, Wilhelm Koppers, Paul Schebesta, and Martin Gusinde on Asian and African peoples. It concludes with a review of Upper Austrian folklore and a list of new publications.
Read full text