 |
Ernest GellnerEnglish philosopher and social anthropologist, professor of philosophy
Date of Birth: 09.12.1925
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Ernest Gellner: A Trailblazing Philosopher and Social Anthropologist
- Academic Career at the London School of Economics
- Shift to Social Anthropology
- Focus on Nations and Nationalism
- Founding of the Centre for the Study of Nationalism
- Legacy
Ernest Gellner: A Trailblazing Philosopher and Social Anthropologist
Early Life and EducationErnest Gellner was born in Paris on December 9, 1925, to German-speaking Jewish parents from Czechoslovakia. He initially lived in Prague, where he attended an English-language school. In 1939, just before the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, he immigrated to Great Britain with his family.
Gellner pursued his higher education at Oxford University, where he initially studied philosophy. In 1944, he volunteered to join the First Czechoslovak Independent Armored Brigade and saw combat during the Dunkirk Offensive.
Academic Career at the London School of Economics
Gellner joined the London School of Economics in 1949 as a lecturer. In 1959, he published his groundbreaking work, "Words and Things: A Critical Account of Linguistic Philosophy and a Study of Ideology." In 1962, he became a professor of philosophy, logic, and scientific method at the LSE.
Shift to Social Anthropology
During the 1960s, Gellner's interests shifted towards social anthropology and political science. He developed his influential theory of nationalism, which he outlined in his 1983 book, "Nations and Nationalism." According to Gellner, nationalism is a "political principle that holds that cultural similarity is the basis of social cohesion."
Focus on Nations and Nationalism
Gellner argued that nationalism emerged in industrial societies due to factors such as cultural homogeneity, mass literacy, economic mobility, and the need for cultural standardization. He believed that nationalism had played a central role in the formation of nation-states in the aftermath of colonialism.
Founding of the Centre for the Study of Nationalism
In 1993, Gellner co-founded the Centre for the Study of Nationalism at the University of Prague with George Soros. He served as the center's director until his death in 1995.
Legacy
Ernest Gellner left behind a profound legacy as a philosopher and social anthropologist. His work on nationalism remains a seminal contribution to the field of political science and continues to influence contemporary debates on identity and statehood.
