Herder: Philosophical Writings, edited and translated by Michael N. Forster, is an indispensable volume that offers a comprehensive insight into the philosophical landscape of Johann Gottfried von Herder, one of the most pivotal figures in eighteenth-century German thought. The book provides an expertly curated selection of Herder’s most significant philosophical works, many of which have never been translated into English before, thereby making a substantial contribution to the accessibility of Herder’s ideas to a wider, Anglophone audience. Forster’s translations capture the nuance and vibrancy of Herder’s prose, preserving the original’s spirit while making it accessible to contemporary readers.
Herder’s influence on the course of modern philosophy cannot be overstated. He was a thinker whose ideas prefigured and influenced a remarkable array of subsequent philosophical developments. Hegel’s intricate system, Schleiermacher’s theories of interpretation, and Nietzsche’s critiques of culture and morality all bear Herder’s unmistakable imprint. Herder’s contributions spanned various disciplines, establishing foundational principles in linguistics, hermeneutics, anthropology, and biblical scholarship, areas that continue to resonate in academic and intellectual discourse today.
The volume situates Herder’s writings within their historical and philosophical contexts. This is crucial as it helps readers appreciate the intellectual milieu in which Herder operated and the innovative nature of his thought. Forster deftly traces Herder’s intellectual development, from his early influences under the precritical Immanuel Kant to his later, more independent philosophical pursuits. The introduction also elaborates on the broader philosophical program that Herder sought to advance—a program that was characterized by a commitment to empiricism, a skepticism of traditional metaphysics, and a revolutionary approach to language and interpretation.
Central to Herder’s philosophical project is the essay How Philosophy Can Become More Universal and Useful for the Benefit of the People (1765), which is featured prominently in this collection. This essay is a critical text for understanding Herder’s philosophical ambitions. In it, Herder advocates for a philosophy that is accessible and beneficial to the general populace, rejecting the abstract and elitist tendencies of traditional metaphysics in favor of a philosophy grounded in the realities of human experience. This work underscores Herder’s belief that philosophy should not be confined to academic discourse but should have a tangible impact on society. His critique of metaphysics is particularly noteworthy, as it anticipates later developments in empiricism and challenges the prevailing philosophical paradigms of his time.
Herder’s philosophy of language, another key theme in this volume, is expounded upon through texts like the Treatise on the Origin of Language (1772). In this treatise, Herder challenges the notion that language could have a divine origin, arguing instead for a naturalistic explanation that emphasizes the human capacity for creativity and expression. This argument not only positions Herder as a precursor to modern linguistics but also reflects his broader commitment to empiricism. He posits that thought is inextricably linked to language, a groundbreaking idea that laid the groundwork for subsequent developments in the philosophy of language and hermeneutics. Herder’s view that language shapes thought and that each language carries within it a unique worldview has had a lasting influence, inspiring figures like Wilhelm von Humboldt and later shaping the field of linguistic relativity.
In addition to his philosophy of language, Herder’s contributions to the philosophy of history and culture are also extensively covered in this volume. His work This Too a Philosophy of History for the Formation of Humanity (1774) presents a vision of history as a dynamic and evolving process, driven by the diverse contributions of different cultures. Herder’s historical philosophy is marked by a deep respect for cultural diversity and an understanding of history as a pluralistic narrative. This pluralism stands in stark contrast to the Enlightenment’s often Eurocentric view of history and underscores Herder’s belief in the intrinsic value of all human cultures.
Moreover, Herder’s ideas on interpretation, particularly the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of a text, laid the foundation for modern hermeneutics. Herder’s insight that the interpreter must strive to understand the author on their own terms, avoiding the projection of one’s own biases, has had a profound impact on the study of literature, history, and theology. His approach to interpretation emphasizes the importance of empathy and the recognition of the otherness of the text, an approach that has continued to influence hermeneutic theory through the works of Schleiermacher and beyond.
Herder’s unsystematic style, often marked by emotional and rhetorically charged prose, is another distinctive feature highlighted in this volume. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Herder eschewed the rigid systematicity of philosophers like Kant and Hegel, instead favouring a more fluid and organic approach to philosophical writing. This stylistic choice reflects Herder’s broader philosophical commitments, particularly his skepticism towards overly systematic and abstract modes of thought, which he believed were disconnected from the lived realities of human experience. Herder’s style, rich with literary devices and rhetorical flourishes, is not merely a matter of aesthetics but is deeply intertwined with his philosophical convictions. For him, the form of philosophical writing should mirror the content of philosophy itself—dynamic, responsive, and engaged with the world.
Forster’s translation captures the essence of Herder’s style, making his philosophical ideas accessible without sacrificing their complexity. This volume is thus not only a collection of philosophical writings but also a testament to the richness of Herder’s thought and its enduring relevance. The selection of texts in this volume offers readers a broad view of Herder’s philosophical landscape, from his early essays to his more mature reflections, providing a comprehensive overview of his intellectual contributions.
Herder: Philosophical Writings is a vital resource for anyone interested in the history of philosophy, particularly in the development of ideas that have shaped modern thought. Herder’s work, with its emphasis on language, culture, and history, offers valuable insights into the human condition and the ways in which we understand and interpret the world. This volume is an essential addition to the library of any serious student of philosophy, offering a gateway into the mind of a philosopher whose ideas continue to resonate in the twenty-first century.
Simon Gros 
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