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An Artist Philosopher Is Born
Paul Feyerabend was born to a poor civil servant and a seamstress circa 1924. His parent's overprotectiveness and the artistic nature of his hometown would shape his philosophy, personality, and worldview, forever. The common mindset of parents during this time was the very "post WWI" thought process of "the world is a dangerous place." This may have stirred Paul's rebellious nature. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xo0LHCoofQ&list=PLvc5-0_pB__4WLVg7f5ZH7JG824mqogka&t=0s&index=7 -
Soldier or Singer?
In high school Paul adopted theatre and took a liking to the sound of his own voice. He would have to give this up as the Nazis had began to set up work centers for the people and Paul was a healthy young lad. Paul was drafted into the Pioneer Corps of the German Army. After basic training Paul decided he would be better suited as an officer in 1942. In 1945 Paul was severely injured by a Russian soldier. The bullet lodged in his spine caused permanent nerve damage and left Paul impotent. -
Tear Philosophy Apart
Injured, but full of fervor, Paul would begin to involve himself again in academic advancement. Initially this would be in physics but Paul quickly learned that he would prefer to challenge the field of philosophy instead and wrote his doctoral thesis “Zur Theorie der Basissätze.” This was a challenge of the fundamental language that made up the foundations of science at this point and was done under the supervision of his mentor, Viktor Kraft. -
Golden Years and Death
Paul Feyerabend was a professional at asking just the right questions at just the right time. This could send even the most confidant scientist into a downward spiral concerning their own studies. He was a contributing member of the Vienna and Kraft Circles throughout his life and published numerous important books to the fields of philosophy and science including "Against Method: Outline of an Anarchistic Theory of Knowledge." He inspires us to challenge systems and doubt foundations.
