Günther Chaloupek

Hans A. Frambach

Jürgen Georg Backhaus

This edited volume discusses the life and scholarship of Friedrich Engels. Written to commemorate the two-hundred-year anniversary of Engels’ birth, the contributions take a look into his research from a variety of viewpoints, trace the influence of his predecessors, and critically evaluate his place within 19th century scholarship. In addition, specific topics are taken up, such as his (mis)assessment of American capitalism, his influence on the Italian labor movement, the thematization of social problems and the relevance of his thought in a global economy. Providing a fresh look at the co-founder of scientific socialism, this volume will be of interest to researchers and students of contemporary political, social and economic systems, the history of economic thought, and political history.

A Critical Assessment of His Life and Scholarship

200 Years of Friedrich Engels

This book discusses the philosophy and educational reforms initiated by Wilhelm von Humboldt as well as their legacy in the modern university system. It begins with a discussion of the history of the university from antiquity and the Middle Ages through the era of Humboldt’s reforms and its remnants in and implications for the present day. The authors then delve into policy, outlining the key conflicts that have informed the development of university educational policy, such as the clash between academia and professional education, the coordination of public administration and educational institutions, and the perennial issue of funding. Humboldt’s ideas are then discussed within an economic context, using his principals of the state to analyze the relationship between current models of household and family economics and German economic and social policy. The book is rounded off by a philosophical analysis of the institution of the university and concludes with an update of the remains Humboldt’s reforms within the current university system. With its multidisciplinary approach to the study of higher education reform in Europe and its key players, this book will appeal to scholars of economic history, educational policy, and public administration as well as administrators and policy makers in higher education. ​

History, Policy, and Future Possibilities

The University According to Humboldt

Ju ̈ rgen G. Backhaus 1 Johann Heinrich Gottlob (von) Justi was born in 1702 in Bru ̈ cken in Prussia (county of Sangerhausen), studied law and cameral sciences in Wittenberg and Jena, yet had to leave the university, entered the Prussian military service, was captured during the Austrian war of succession by the Austrians but escaped to Leipzig (Saxony) where he studied mineral sciences. In 1750 he was called to a chair ‘‘Cameral Sciences and Rhetorics’’ at the new Theresian Academy of Knights in Vienna. There, he gave two important inaugural lectures which are the focal point of this book. In 1754, Justi was appointed a mineral counsellor in Gottingen ̈ (Hanover), and lectured at the Saxonian University on both state sciences and natural sciences. In 1762, Frederic II (the Great) of Prussia appointed him Prussian captain (highest supervisory position) of mines and general supervisor of fiscal-mineral activities. In 1768 he was accused of embezzlement, and before he could prove his innocence, he died in 1771 as a prisoner in the (decaying) fortress of Ku ̈ strin. Due to his death, the case was never decided. But Frederic had obviously made his own decision. When he appointed Justi, the appointee pointed out that he was suffering from weak eye sight and could not readily check the bookkeeping. Frederic replied: You may have weak eyes but you have a bright mind. I shall put two eyes by your side.

Jürgen Georg Backhaus

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