[From "physical idealist" to "freedom fighter". The change in the perception of Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker in the DDR - exemplified by honorary doctorate and the Leipzig Colloquium 1987/88].

Abstract

This article draws a representative picture of the official public perception of Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker in the GDR. In the beginning Weizsäcker served as a classic example of a successful scientist with bourgeois philosophical ideas. So he was often a target of philosophical criticism. This changed with Weizsäcker's activities in peace studies, and the official GDR made an attempt to monopolize him. This could be seen, for example, in connection with his honorary doctorate awarded by the University of Leipzig in 1987 and with the scientific colloquium in 1988. From these examples we can also see that efforts took place to change the focus towards his physical und philosophical achievements. Weizsäcker's official recognition was also helpful for other activities in which he played a leading role. The article looks behind the scenes of a part of the academic machinery in the GDR. It shows that CFvW was an eminent stimulator also in the GDR.