Abstract

Even though his work is considered a cornerstone of the humanities, Wilhelm von Humboldt’s concept of Geist has been largely overlooked in scholarly discourse. This article first addresses the hermeneutical and linguistic challenges associated with the German term »Geist,« before attempting a reconstruction of Humboldt’s theory. By exploring his theories of history, language, and education (Bildung), the article argues that Humboldt conceives of Geist not as an object of theory or experience, but as a form and transcendental structure. According to Humboldt, Geist imparts meaning to linguistic, historical, and educational phenomena, mediating the relationship between self and world, and thus enabling the very possibility of meaning.