Genevan philosopher, Hersch, dies at 89
The Genevan philosopher, Jeanne Hersch, has died a month before her 90th birthday. The news was announced by Geneva University's philosophy department.
Hersch was strongly influenced by the German philosopher, Karl Jaspers, and was particularly known for translating his works into French. In her own philosophising, Hersch was not afraid to tackle contemporary political issues, and was often the subject of controversy and criticism.
A strong supporter of national defence and nuclear energy, she was firmly opposed to liberal drug programmes – earning herself a reputation as a right-winger.
As well as thinking politically, Hersch was a political activist. She worked for the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (Unesco), and served on numerous occasions as a political advisor and delegate.
She was best known beyond Switzerland for her essay collections, “The Inability to Allow Freedom” and “The Hope of Being Human”.
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