The Heidelberg School: Continuation by Innovation

Dieter Henrich is one of the philosophers since the 1950s who conceived an independent philosophical approach. Applying the term “school” to the philosophers from Heidelberg is justified by the fact that several generations have been involved in the continuation of the group’s work since 1970. In the meantime, another generation has established itself, which calls itself the New Heidelbergs, whose members have been continuing and innovating what is called “Dieter Henrich’s original insight.” In this article, first, Henrich’s insight is characterized in a way which justifies the use of the term Heidelberg School. Second, a treatment of Henrich’s research programme at the beginning of the 1970s would be too one-sided. Third, it is argued that the epistemological interest in dealing with this school is not of a historical nature. Finally, an outlook on the progress of Henrich’s enduring insight is given. Without the “continuation by innovation” of the school and “Henrich’s original insight,” the research programme of the New Heidelbergs cannot be adequately grasped.