Walter Benjamin

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Walter Benjamin (15 July 1892 – 26 September 1940) was a German Jewish philosopher, cultural critic, and essayist. He is associated with the Frankfurt School of critical theory and is known for his contributions to aesthetics, literary criticism, and historical materialism.

Early Life and Education

Walter Benjamin was born in Berlin, Germany, into a wealthy Jewish family. He attended the Humboldt University of Berlin and later the University of Freiburg, where he studied philosophy. Benjamin was deeply influenced by the works of Immanuel Kant, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, and Friedrich Nietzsche.

Career and Major Works

Benjamin's work spans a variety of disciplines, including philosophy, literature, and art criticism. Some of his most notable works include:

• The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction - In this essay, Benjamin discusses how technological advancements, particularly in photography and film, have changed the nature of art and its reception.
• Theses on the Philosophy of History - This work presents Benjamin's views on history and time, emphasizing the importance of historical materialism.
• The Arcades Project - An unfinished work that explores the cultural and social history of 19th-century Paris through its arcades and shopping galleries.

Influence and Legacy

Benjamin's ideas have had a profound impact on various fields, including critical theory, media studies, and cultural studies. His concept of the "aura" of art and his analysis of the effects of mass reproduction on culture have been particularly influential.

Death

Walter Benjamin died under mysterious circumstances in 1940 while attempting to escape Nazi-occupied France. His death is often considered a tragic loss to the intellectual world.

Related Pages

• Frankfurt School
• Critical theory
• Historical materialism
• Theodor W. Adorno
• Max Horkheimer
• Immanuel Kant
• Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
• Friedrich Nietzsche