Humanitarianism as moral hypertrophy – Arnold Gehlen’s anthropological approach

Abstract

This article discusses Arnold Gehlen’s critical arguments directed at the contemporary ethos of humanitarianism. In the first and second section of the text will be analysed the anthropological and historical origins of this ethos and its position in contemporary culture and politics. The third final section will present Gehlen’s critique of Jürgen Habermas and Lothar Samson. In conclusion, the author will quote his own critical arguments against the diagnosis of the German anthropologist.