Synopses & Reviews
Although his contributions to philosophy are revered and his writings have been collected, Eric Voegelin's persona will inevitably fade with the memories of those who knew him. This book preserves the human element of Voegelin by capturing those personal recollections. Cooper and Bruhn conducted interviews with Voegelin's wife, his closest friends, and his first-generation students. Episodes of pathos, humor, fear, rivalry, and ambition are interwoven throughout the accounts. We witness Voegelin's persistent and partly self-imposed communication problems and impatience with administrative duties; his respect for prudent political actors and public servants; and his genuine affection not only for his colleagues and best students but also for diligent secretaries and empathetic nurses. Key elements of his personality repeatedly emerge: his intelligence, optimism, and integrity, combined with an acute perception of the significance of his work.
Synopsis
"Personal recollections of Eric Voegelin by his wife, his closest friends, and his first-generation students reveal new aspects of the philosopher's personality. Reflections of people such as Paul Caringella, Bruno Schlesinger, and Heinz Barazon capture V
About the Author
Barry Cooper is Professor of Political Science at the University of Calgary and the author of numerous books, including Eric Voegelin and the Foundations of Modern Political Science (University of Missouri Press). Jodi Bruhn is the coeditor and translator of The Collected Works of Eric Voegelin, Volume 13: Selected Book Reviews (University of Missouri Press). She is an editor and translator based in Ottawa, Ontario.
Table of Contents
Introduction -- Palo Alto -- Munich -- Notre Dame -- Baton Rouge -- Vienna -- Enigma : variations.