Publication details
Jan Patočka a T. G. Masaryk
| Title in English | Jan Patočka and T. G. Masaryk |
|---|---|
| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2018 |
| Type | Article in Proceedings |
| Conference | Jan Patočka a Naše doba |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Keywords | Masaryk; Patočka; History |
| Description | Masaryk was one of the personalities whose work Jan Patočka studied throughout his whole career. In 1938 Patočka subscribed to the key idea of Masaryks philosophy – the idea of European scholarship. In 1946 Masaryk became an impetus for Patočkas analysis of the depths of the moral and spiritual crisis caused by World War II. Patočkas most extensive historical work on Masaryk comes from the early 50s. It focuses on the Hilsner affair and bears the title Masaryk in his fight against antisemitism. Patočkas critical stance towards Masaryk was reflected in the conception of the reconstruction of the TGM Institute in 1968. Contradictions in Masaryks thought presented challenges for Patočka and a stimulus for his further philosophical work. In 1970s, Patočka focused on a philosophical assessment of Masaryks political activities, especially his foundational role in the constitution of Czechoslovakia, and wrote two significant studies An Attempt at Czech National Philosophy and its Failure, and On Masaryks Philosophy of Religion. Patočkas assessment of Masaryks philosophical work varied. He regarded Masaryk’s philosophical theory contradictory and also questioned Masaryks philosophy of history. In his opinion, Masaryk correctly depicted the phenomenon of crisis and the necessity of its overcoming, and rightly emphasised the need for active responsibility and ethics, but his positivistic rationalism did not enable to capture the responsibility philosophically. |
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