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Orbituary by the Department of Philosophy, Frankfurt

With the passing of Jürgen Habermas, the Institute of Philosophy has lost its most renowned and influential member. Jürgen Habermas had long been associated with the academic world in Frankfurt. Following early positions at the Institute for Social Research, he served first as Professor of Philosophy and Sociology from 1964 to 1971, succeeding Max Horkheimer, and then, after his return from Starnberg, as Professor of Philosophy from 1983 to 1994.

Especially in recent years, his outstanding reputation has resonated around the world, transforming the Institute of Philosophy into a hub of diverse encounters and intense debates whose impact has reached far beyond university circles. Jürgen Habermas was a highly decorated scholar, but also a passionate thinker, enlightener, and social critic who brought philosophy into dialogue with the other sciences and the political sphere, and thus right into the heart of society.

He remained closely connected to the Department of Philosophy and Goethe University long after his retirement. We are deeply grateful for this. His influence continues to shape our teaching and research to this day. We will honor his memory.

On behalf of the Department of Philosophy: Friedemann Buddensiek (Managing Director), Martin Saar

Read here the orbituary from the president of Goethe University: Goethe University Frankfurt am Main mourns Jürgen Habermas