Origins & Early Life

Wilhelm Dilthey (; German: [ˈvɪlhɛlm ˈdɪltaɪ]; 19 November 1833 – 1 October 1911) was a German philosopher who held Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel's Chair in Philosophy at the University of Berlin. As a polymathic philosopher working in the emerging modern research university, Dilthey aimed to establish the methodological foundations of the human sciences, including history, hermeneutics, and nascent psychology, in relation to the natural sciences. Dilthey's account of what constitutes the empirical and experiential is drawn from the traditions of German philosophy and literature, and differs from British empiricism and positivism in its central epistemological and ontological assumptions. But he emphasized experience and historical evidence, and has sometimes been styled an empiricist by contrast to then prevailing idealism.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Dilthey was born in 1833 as the son of a Reformed pastor in the village of Biebrich in the Duchy of Nassau, now in Hesse, Germany. As a young man he followed family traditions by studying theology at Heidelberg University, where his teachers included the young Kuno Fischer. He then moved to the University of Berlin and was taught by, amongst others...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adrien-Marie Legendre — Contemporary (Died in 1833) (1833): Pioneering French mathematician known for Legendre polynomials and least squares method.
• Alexander Borodin — Contemporary (Born in 1833) (1833): Russian Romantic composer, chemist, and physician known for 'Prince Igor' and symphonies.
• Alfred Nobel — Contemporary (Born in 1833) (1833): Pioneering chemist, inventor of dynamite, and founder of the Nobel Prizes.
• Ashok Kumar — Contemporary (Born in 1911) (1911): Pioneering superstar and master character actor of Hindi cinema.
• Babe Didrikson Zaharias — Contemporary (Born in 1911) (1911): Versatile American athlete, celebrated for dominance in golf, basketball, and track.
• Bill Monroe — Contemporary (Born in 1911) (1911): Pioneering mandolinist and songwriter, credited as the 'Father of Bluegrass'.
• Alan J. Pakula — Shared historical date (11-19 · Died) (1998): American film director, writer, and producer known for political thrillers.
• Alexander I of Russia — Shared historical date (11-19 · Died) (1825): Emperor of Russia during the Napoleonic era, known for liberal reforms and military campaigns.
• Abby Stein — Shared historical date (10-01 · Born) (1991): Israeli-American author, rabbi, and activist who speaks on faith and gender identity.
• Annie Besant — Shared historical date (10-01 · Born) (1847): Activist, writer, and Theosophist championing social reform and self-rule.
• 1833 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1833
• November 19 (11-19) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 19
• 1911 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1911
• October 1 (10-01) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 1