author
Paul Hensel
1860–1930
A German philosopher from a remarkable intellectual family, he taught in Erlangen and became a mentor to later thinkers including Hans Reichenbach. His work is linked with the neo-Friesian tradition and the search for a careful, exact style of philosophy.
1 Audiobook
Rousseau
by Paul Hensel
About the author
Born on 17 May 1860 in Groß-Barthen, East Prussia, Paul Hugo Wilhelm Hensel was a German philosopher. He came from a distinguished family: he was the son of Sebastian Hensel, brother of mathematician Kurt Hensel, grandson of the painter Wilhelm Hensel and composer Fanny Mendelssohn, and a descendant of Moses Mendelssohn.
Hensel spent much of his academic life at the University of Erlangen, where he taught philosophy. He is remembered in part for his place in the neo-Friesian tradition and for encouraging a clear, rigorous approach to philosophical questions.
He also had an important role as a teacher. Among the students connected with him was Hans Reichenbach, who later became a major figure in scientific philosophy. Hensel died in Erlangen on 11 November 1930.