Otto Weininger (1880–1903) was an Austrian philosopher known for his controversial work on gender, psychology, and identity. His ideas influenced 20th-century philosophy despite his tragic early death.
Born in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, he studied philosophy and psychology at the University of Vienna, earning a PhD in 1902. His dissertation, later expanded into Geschlecht und Charakter (1903, Sex and Character,) examined gender, sexuality, and morality, arguing that all individuals possess both masculine and feminine traits.
His work was widely debated, with critics condemning its misogynistic and anti-Semitic views, while others found his philosophical insights groundbreaking. He influenced thinkers like Ludwig Wittgenstein, August Strindberg, and James Joyce.
Shortly after publishing Sex and Character, Weininger died by suicide at 23, leaving a complex intellectual legacy. His lesser-known work, Über die letzten Dinge (1904, On Last Things,) reflected his philosophical thoughts on existence.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Otto Weininger
No men who really think deeply about women retain a high opinion of them; men either despise women or they have never thought seriously about them.
—Otto Weininger
Topics: Men, Men & Women, Women
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