Ernest Gellner Quotes
- Philosopher
- Czechoslovakia
- 1925 - 1995
Ernest Gellner (1925-1995) was a British philosopher and social anthropologist. He is best known for his works on nationalism, modernity, and the philosophy of science. His most influential works include Nations and Nationalism (1983), Plough, Sword, and Book: The Structure of Human History (1988),…Read More
Ernest Gellner (1925-1995) was a British philosopher and social anthropologist. He is best known for his works on nationalism, modernity, and the philosophy of science. His most influential works include Nations and Nationalism (1983), Plough, Sword, and Book: The Structure of Human History (1988), and Conditions of Liberty: Civil Society and Its Rivals (1994). Gellner’s work has been highly influential in the fields of sociology, anthropology, and political science. He argued that nationalism is a product of modernity, and that it is a necessary condition for the development of a modern society. He also argued that the nation-state is the only form of political organization that can guarantee the rights of individuals. Gellner’s work has been widely cited and has had a lasting impact on the study of nationalism and modernity.Read Less
Ernest Gellner (1925-1995) was a British philosopher and social anthropologist. He is best known for his works on nationalism, modernity, and the philosophy of science. His most influential works include Nations and Nationalism (1983), Plough, Sword, and Book: The Structure of Human History (1988), and Conditions of Liberty: Civil Society and Its Rivals (1994). Gellner’s work has been highly influential in the fields of sociology, anthropology, and political science. He argued that nationalism is a product of modernity, and that it is a necessary condition for the development of a modern society. He also argued that the nation-state is the only form of political organization that can guarantee the rights of individuals. Gellner’s work has been widely cited and has had a lasting impact on the study of nationalism and modernity.
Ernest Gellner Career Highlights
Ernest Gellner was a renowned British-Czech philosopher and social anthropologist who made significant contributions to the fields of nationalism, sociology, and political theory. He was born on December 9, 1925, in Paris, France, to Jewish parents who later moved to Prague, Czechoslovakia. Gellner received his education at the University of Oxford, where he studied philosophy, politics, and economics.
Key Contributions by Ernest Gellner
Gellner’s work focused on the role of culture and ideology in shaping society and politics. He is best known for his theory of nationalism, which argues that the rise of modern nation-states is a result of the industrial revolution and the need for a common culture to support it. He also made significant contributions to the study of Islam and its relationship with modernity.
What Sets Ernest Gellner Apart
Gellner’s interdisciplinary approach to social sciences, combining philosophy, sociology, and anthropology, set him apart from his contemporaries. He was also known for his sharp wit and writing style, making complex ideas accessible to a wider audience. Gellner’s work continues to be influential in the fields of nationalism, sociology, and political theory.
Takeaways
Ernest Gellner’s work highlights the importance of culture and ideology in shaping society and politics. His theory of nationalism remains relevant in understanding the rise of nation-states in the modern world. Gellner’s interdisciplinary approach and writing style make his work accessible and influential to a wide range of audiences.