Herder's conception of "das Volk"

This scholarly work delves into Johann Gottfried Herder’s evolving idea of the German Volk and its cultural resonance in the Enlightenment. Beginning with a careful linguistic tour, the author traces the word’s roots from Old English and Old High German through medieval forms, revealing how notions of crowd, army, and common folk intertwined. The study then sets the stage for a close reading of Herder’s own writings, showing how his terminology shaped a new vision of national identity.

The dissertation proceeds to examine Herder’s collections of folk songs and his reflections on the “Ossianic” peoples and ancient Hebrews, illustrating how he linked language, myth, and communal feeling. By comparing these sources with contemporary eighteenth‑century thought, the author uncovers the philosophical foundations of individuality and personality within the Volk. Readers gain a nuanced picture of how a single term helped forge the modern concept of a people rooted in shared culture and sentiment.