Searching for Josef Pieper

Abstract

[In some recent prominent studies, Josef Pieper has merited only brief attention. He is presented as one who accommodated Roman Catholic theology and philosophy with National Socialism in the early 1930s. Alongside such thinkers as Michael Schmaus and Karl Eschweiler, Pieper's name appears as evidence for the Catholic pursuit of rapprochement with the Nazi State. The writings of Pieper, however, contain considerable evidence to maintain a contrary reading of his involvement with the National Socialists. He may in fact be understood as a man who said no to the spirit of his age.]