“A Mountain of Nonsense”? Czech and Slovenian Receptions of Materialism and Vitalism from c. 1860s to the First World War

Abstract In general, historians of science and ideas do not focus on critical appraisals scientific such as vitalism materialism from Catholic intellectuals in eastern southeastern Europe, nor is there much comparative work available how significant European the life sciences were understood received outside France, Germany, Italy UK. Insofar treatments are available, they contributions nineteenth century to later twentieth ideologies, well trace interactions various intersections with development genetics evolutionary biology see Mosse (The culture Western Europe: centuries. Westview Press, Boulder, 1988, Toward final solution: a history racism. Howard Fertig Publisher, New York, 1978; Turda et al., Crafting humans: genesis eugenics beyond. V&R Unipress, Goettingen, 2013). English American eugenicists (such William Caleb Saleeby), scores others underscored importance future “eugenics” (Saleeby, The progress eugenics. Cassell, 1914). Little has been written qua or Europe. Czech Slovene cases interesting for comparison insofar both had national awakenings middle which linguistic scientific, while also being religious nature (on case David, Realism, tolerance, liberalism National awakening: legacies Bohemian reformation. Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, 2010; Kann Peoples Eastern Habsburg Lands, 1526-1918. Washington Washington, 2010). many writers writing Moravia, only slight noticeable differences word-choice construction but greater influence scholastic Latin, all more so works priests bishops. this case, German, Latin literary coexisted same texts. Thus, presence these three languages throws caution Michael Gordin, who argues that language went German vernacular. Czech, Slovenian Croatian cases, quite happily until First World War, decades 1840s 1880s particularly suited flexibility, where oftentimes would put parentheses word make meaning clear audience. Note however multiple paraphrases often polemical discussions vitalism. Slovenia Čas (Time Times) ran 1907 1942, running under muscular editorship Fr. Aleš Ušeničnik (1868–1952) devoted hundreds pages penned by himself his close collaborators wide-ranging vitalism, its implied social societal consequences. Like their counterparts Matěj Procházka (1811–1889) Antonín LenzMaterialismMechanismDynamism (1829–1901), was conjoined "pantheism" immorality. viewed deep theological problem, it made account transformation Eucharistic sacrifice into real untenable. “bestiality” ( bestialnost ) radical politics, especially agrarianism, writers, “parliamentarianism” “democracy.” There too an unexamined dialogue pan-Slavism needs be explored. Writing 1914 review O bistvu življenja (Concerning essence life) controversial biologist Boris Zarnik) speculative outlook because left field positive entered realm philosophy. writes “Too bad” Zarnik “tackles” question zoological opinions philosophy “successful”. concluded rather old idea, belonged Thomistic theology then biology. It nonetheless seemed provide solution particular characteristics life, individuality. certainly preferable dangers presented. Likewise Emmanuel Radl (1873–1942) spent extolling virtues up death home confinement during Nazi Protectorate. Vitalism became bound late rediscovery early modern philosophy, essential part new consciousness awareness right before War lands. comparing reception together two countries separated ‘nationality’ bounded religion active engagement French (especially Driesch), we can reconstruct receptions materialism, articulate political valances.