Philosophisches Lexicon

More about the book

Johann Georg Walch (1693-1775), a prominent professor of philosophy and theology, was a leading scholar of his time. Before establishing his reputation in Jena as the main representative of Franciscus Buddeus' theological school, he developed his extensive "Philosophisches Lexicon" in Leipzig under Andreas Rüdiger, an opponent of Wolff. First published in 1726, it underwent several revisions by Walch himself. The work is notable for its thorough and well-documented exploration of contemporary doctrines, aiming to place them in a historical context. It serves as a compendium of philosophy and the understanding of its history among thinkers like Thomasius, Buddeus, and Rüdiger, effectively challenging the prevailing view of early 18th-century philosophy as primarily influenced by Christian Wolff. The significantly expanded 1775 edition, which serves as the basis for the current reprint, features clear identifications of additions made by editor Justus Chr. Hennings, preserving the original text. This version maintained its influence into the 19th century, making the "Philosophisches Lexicon" essential for historians studying the philosophy and intellectual landscape of the German Enlightenment.