Abstract

This paper outlines briefly the contribution of philosophers of Jewish origin to Polish philosophy. The author contrasts the phrases "philosophy in Poland" and "Polish philosophy." The former refers to philosophical ideas created in Poland as a territory, but the latter indicates philosophy as a part of the national Polish culture. Since the paper deals with "Polish philosophy," it omits representatives of Jewish philosophy living in Poland, like Isserles (Remu), the Gaon of Vilna, Maimon, or Krochmal. The participation of Jews in Polish academic life was a result of Haskala and began in the second half of the nineteenth century. Various factors, political and social, determined restrictions of activities of Jews in Polish science, including philosophy. The situation improved in 1918–1939, although most Jewish people had no full chance to make successful academic careers. Nevertheless, several Jews played a prominent role in Polish philosophy, particularly in the Lvov-Warsaw School.

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