Kuno Fischer

Ernst Kuno Berthold Fischer (23 July 1824 – 5 July 1907) was a German philosopher and historian of philosophy. After studying philosophy at Leipzig and Halle, he became a Privatdozent at Heidelberg in 1850. The Baden government laid an embargo on his teaching in 1853 due to his liberal ideas, but this garnered sympathy. In 1856, he obtained a professorship at Jena, where he gained influence. In 1872, he succeeded Eduard Zeller as professor of philosophy and the history of modern German literature at Heidelberg. Fischer was a brilliant lecturer known for clear exposition. His fame rests on his work as a historian and commentator of philosophy. Initially a follower of the Hegelian school, his interpretation of Kant influenced the "return to Kant" movement. His contributions also include the distinction between empiricism and rationalism in categorizing philosophers, although this has been questioned in modern times.