Reiner Schürmann

Reiner Schürmann (February 4, 1941 – August 20, 1993) was a German philosopher and professor of Philosophy at The New School for Social Research in New York City from 1975 until his death. He wrote his major published works in French. Deeply influenced by Martin Heidegger, Meister Eckhart, and contemporary continental philosophy, Schürmann developed a radical critique of metaphysical and political first principles, which he termed the "anarchy" of being and action. His work culminated in analyses of broken hegemonies, singularity, and non-foundational praxis. Born in Amsterdam to German parents, Schürmann studied philosophy and theology with the Dominicans at Le Saulchoir near Paris, earning a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Sorbonne in 1981. He first came to the United States in 1971 as a Dominican priest, teaching at The Catholic University of America and then Duquesne University. In 1975, he left the priesthood and joined the faculty at The New School for Social Research, mentored by Hannah Arendt and Hans Jonas. He died in New York City from complications related to HIV/AIDS, three years after his partner, the painter Louis Comtois. Schürmann's notable works include "Heidegger on Being and Acting: From Principles to Anarchy" and "Les Origines," which explored his personal journey and philosophical development.