Hermann Schmitz (philosopher)

Hermann Schmitz (born December 23, 1928, in Berlin; died September 27, 2021, in Giessen) was a German philosopher best known for his development of Neue Phänomenologie (New Phenomenology). This approach departs from traditional Husserlian phenomenology by emphasizing the pre-reflective experience of atmosphere (Atmosphäre) and bodily feeling (leibliche Betroffenheit).

Schmitz's work focuses on the lived body (Leib) and its relation to the surrounding world. He argues that experience is not primarily cognitive or representational but rather a felt, bodily engagement with the environment. Central to his philosophy is the concept of Situation (Situation), which encompasses the indeterminate, open, and affective context in which we find ourselves. This contrasts with the notion of a fixed and objective "world."

His work critiques traditional metaphysics and epistemology, particularly the subject-object dichotomy. He proposes that the space (Raum) between subject and object is not empty but is filled with atmospheres that affect us and shape our experience. These atmospheres are not subjective states but are quasi-objective realities that are felt bodily.

Schmitz's major works include the multi-volume System der Philosophie (System of Philosophy), which lays out the foundation of his New Phenomenology, and Der Leib (The Body), which explores the significance of the lived body in experience. His writings have been influential in fields such as philosophy of emotion, architecture, urban studies, and psychotherapy. He aimed to provide a phenomenological account of everyday experience that is grounded in the body and attuned to the affective dimensions of reality. He held professorships at the University of Kiel and the University of Giessen. His work continues to be developed and applied by scholars and practitioners across various disciplines.