Heinrich von Kleist und die Kantische Philosophie

This volume brings to life a series of lectures delivered in 1918 under the auspices of the Kant Society, where Ernst Cassirer explored the surprising resonance between Heinrich von Kleist’s dramatic imagination and the core principles of Kantian philosophy. The talks were given to an audience of scholars and physicians, and the text preserves the original phrasing while marking every correction, giving listeners a transparent view of the editing process.

Cassirer uses Kleist’s vivid storytelling as a springboard to examine how philosophical concepts can become “living atmospheres,” influencing both their own time and later thinkers. He highlights the historian’s dilemma: following a powerful idea through its historical branches without losing the clarity of its original source. The narrative balances rigorous analysis with clear examples, making the abstract discussion feel immediate and relevant.

For anyone interested in the crossroads of literature and Enlightenment philosophy, the book offers a thoughtful, accessible journey into how a nineteenth‑century novelist can illuminate the enduring questions Kant raised about reason, freedom, and the structure of thought.