Wilhelm Dilthey Quotes

A collection of quotes by Wilhelm Dilthey.

Wilhelm Dilthey was a renowned German philosopher, psychologist, and sociologist, known for his influential contributions to hermeneutics and the development of human sciences. He was born on November 19, 1833, in Biebrich, Germany, and passed away on October 1, 1911, in Seis am Schlern, Italy.

Dilthey's intellectual journey led him to challenge the conventional methods of natural sciences when applied to the study of human beings. He argued that understanding human experiences, such as art, history, and culture, required a different approach that he called "the human sciences" or "Geisteswissenschaften."

Throughout his career, Dilthey emphasized the importance of interpretation and understanding (Verstehen) in the social sciences. He believed that human beings could only be understood by empathetically engaging with their thoughts and expressions within their cultural and historical contexts.

Dilthey's work greatly influenced fields such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, and literary criticism. His ideas served as a basis for later philosophers and social scientists, including phenomenologists and existentialists.

Some of Dilthey's notable works include "Introduction to the Human Sciences," "Poetry and Experience," and "The Formation of the Historical World in the Human Sciences." He dedicated his life to exploring the complexities of human existence and establishing a distinct methodological framework for the study of human sciences, leaving a lasting impact on the academic world.