Johann Gottfried von Herder (1744-1803)

Key text: Treatise on the origin of language (1772)

-German philosopher, romantic, reaction to rationality of Enlightenment, conservative nationalist.

Human Nature

-linked language and nationalism

-People see their own identity in terms of collective identity of a cultural group with common language and history

-Influenced both liberal and conservative nationalists

The state

-Historical experience and common language

-influenced movement to unite separate German states into one nation

-Natural division of nations, defined by distinct culture

-state can only be rightfully based upon the collective identity of a people with common cultural and linguistic heritage

Society

-Volksgeist -a German phrase that refers to a nation's unique spirit, character, and way of life, meaning Volk-people and Geist- spirit

-society is a cultural concept. It is based on a shared sense of culture and national heritage

Equality

Divisive

-Fixed ideas of liberalism shouldn’t be applied to nationalism-every volk distinctive people are not linked beyond language

Emotional sentiment

-Unification of Germany through language

-Volk Geist