Jakob von Uexküll: an Intellectual History

Abstract

Adopting a historical-intellectual approach, in this chapter four moments of Uexküll´s intellectual life will be analyzed: (1) his training period, his first experimental investigations in the field of physiology and the formulation of the building-plan (Bauplan) concept as object of biology (1892-1905); (2) the moment in which he develops his theoretical biology through the notions of conformity to a plan (Planmäßigkeit), perception world (Merkwelt) and Umwelt (1907-1920); (3) the period of re-systematization of his theory through the refinement of the Umwelt concept, the introduction of the notions of functional circle (Funktionskreis) and sequence of impulses (Impulsfolge), and the outline of a theory of actions (1920-1936); (4) his last reflections on the problem of solipsism and the relationship between heterogeneous living worlds, through the idea of Nature and the theory of meaning (Bedeutungslehre) (1938-1944).