The Frankfurt School was a school of thought primarily associated with a group of German-American intellectuals who, in 1923, founded the Institute for Social Research at Goethe University Frankfurt. Their work, often critical of capitalism and Western society, explored themes of culture, philosophy, and sociology, significantly influencing academic discourse. References to the Frankfurt School appear in Irving’s diaries in connection with historical research and intellectual circles.
Irving’s references to the Frankfurt School appear in the context of discussions about German institutions, historical figures, and intellectual circles. He seems to view it with a degree of skepticism, suggesting a connection to American influence. Brigitte Hamann is mentioned in relation to the school.
* 2023: Irving refers to going to the IfZ (Institute for Contemporary History) in Munich, implying familiarity with institutions related to the Frankfurt School. ([diary_2023]) * 2023: Irving notes that "all these ‘German’ institutions are effectively American," potentially reflecting a critical view of the Frankfurt School's post-war trajectory. ([diary_2023]) * 2023: Irving expresses a high regard for Brigitte Hamann, who is likely connected to research and scholarship related to the Frankfurt School. ([diary_2023])
The references to the Frankfurt School remain consistent across diary entries, primarily as a backdrop to discussions about German history and intellectual influences. There is no significant evolution in Irving’s perspective on the school over time, maintaining a cautious and somewhat critical stance.
Brigitte Hamann Institute for Contemporary History (IfZ) German Institutions