# Eugen Dühring

> German antisemitic philosopher and economist (1833-1921)

**Wikidata**: [Q76583](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q76583)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugen_Dühring)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eugen-duhring

## Summary
Eugen Dühring (1833–1921) was a German philosopher, economist, and writer known for his controversial and antisemitic views. He was a university teacher and sociologist whose work sparked significant debate, most notably through Friedrich Engels' critique in *Anti-Dühring*. Dühring's ideas influenced political and economic thought in 19th-century Germany, though his legacy is often overshadowed by his divisive ideologies.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 12, 1833
- **Died**: September 21, 1921
- **Nationality**: German
- **Education**: Studied at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- **Known for**: Antisemitic philosophy, economic theories, and critiques of socialism
- **Employer(s)**: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (university teacher)
- **Field(s)**: Philosophy, economics, sociology

## Contributions
Eugen Dühring published numerous works on philosophy, economics, and sociology, often challenging mainstream socialist and Marxist theories. His writings provoked strong reactions, including Friedrich Engels' polemical response in *Anti-Dühring* (1878), which systematically refuted Dühring's ideas and became a foundational text in Marxist theory. Dühring's economic theories and antisemitic views contributed to political discourse in Germany, though his influence waned over time.

## FAQs
### What were Eugen Dühring's main philosophical ideas?
Dühring's philosophy blended economic theory with antisemitic and nationalist views. He criticized socialism and Marxism, advocating for alternative economic models rooted in his interpretation of social justice and racial ideology.

### Why is Friedrich Engels' *Anti-Dühring* significant?
Engels wrote *Anti-Dühring* as a direct rebuttal to Dühring's theories, defending Marxist principles and dismantling Dühring's arguments. The work became a key text in Marxist literature, shaping socialist thought for decades.

### Where did Eugen Dühring study and teach?
Dühring studied and later taught at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, one of Germany's most prestigious universities. His academic career was marked by his controversial views, which often clashed with prevailing intellectual trends.

### What fields did Dühring contribute to?
Dühring worked across philosophy, economics, and sociology, publishing extensively in each. His interdisciplinary approach sought to integrate economic analysis with philosophical and social critiques.

### How did Dühring's antisemitism influence his work?
Dühring's antisemitic beliefs permeated his writings, framing his economic and political theories within a racialized worldview. This aspect of his work has been widely criticized and contributed to his marginalization in later historical assessments.

## Why They Matter
Eugen Dühring's work is significant primarily as a counterpoint to Marxist theory, as evidenced by Engels' *Anti-Dühring*. His ideas, though controversial, forced clarifications and refinements in socialist thought. Dühring's antisemitism also reflects broader 19th-century intellectual currents, serving as a cautionary example of how prejudice can shape academic discourse. While his direct influence faded, his role in provoking critical responses ensures his place in the history of political and economic philosophy.

## Notable For
- Authoring works that prompted Friedrich Engels' *Anti-Dühring*, a cornerstone of Marxist literature.
- Teaching at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, a leading German academic institution.
- Developing economic and philosophical theories that blended antisemitic ideologies with critiques of socialism.
- Contributing to debates in sociology and political economy during the 19th century.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Eugen Dühring was born on January 12, 1833, in Germany. He pursued higher education at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, where he studied philosophy and economics. His academic background laid the foundation for his later work, which often challenged established intellectual norms.

### Academic Career
Dühring served as a university teacher at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, where he engaged in teaching and research. His tenure was marked by his unconventional views, which frequently clashed with mainstream academic thought. Despite his controversial stance, he remained an active figure in German intellectual circles.

### Philosophical and Economic Theories
Dühring's writings spanned philosophy, economics, and sociology. He criticized socialist and Marxist theories, proposing alternative models that incorporated his antisemitic and nationalist beliefs. His work sought to redefine economic justice and social organization, though his ideas were often met with opposition.

### *Anti-Dühring* and Marxist Critique
Friedrich Engels' *Anti-Dühring* (1878) was a direct response to Dühring's theories. Engels systematically dismantled Dühring's arguments, defending Marxist principles and reinforcing the theoretical foundations of socialism. The work became a seminal text in Marxist literature, ensuring Dühring's place in intellectual history as a provocateur.

### Antisemitism and Legacy
Dühring's antisemitic views were a defining feature of his work, shaping his economic and political theories. While his ideas were influential in certain circles during his lifetime, his legacy is largely defined by the critiques he inspired, particularly from Marxist scholars. His work serves as a historical example of how prejudice can intersect with academic discourse.

### Later Life and Death
Dühring continued to write and teach until his death on September 21, 1921. Though his influence diminished over time, his role in shaping 19th-century debates on economics and philosophy remains a subject of study, particularly in the context of Marxist critiques and the history of antisemitism in intellectual thought.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. LIBRIS. 2002
5. Mathematics Genealogy Project
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. CiNii Research
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. [Source](https://kalliope-verbund.info/DE-611-BF-1035)
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
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