Karl Jaspers Prize

The prize is usually awarded every three years for an outstanding scientific work that is inspired by a philosophical spirit. The scientific significance should transcend the boundaries of a humanities or psychiatric discipline in favor of interdisciplinary understanding.

The prize is endowed with 25,000 euros.

The prize sponsors

The prize was established in 1983 by the City of Heidelberg(external link) and Heidelberg University(external link) to mark the 100th birthday of Heidelberg philosopher Karl Jaspers. Since 2013, the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences has also been involved in funding the prize.

The award winners

Previous award winners:

2019
Rudolf G. Wagner(external link)

2017
Aleida and Jan Assmann(external link)

2014
Hans Maier

2008
Jean-Luc Marion

2004
Michael Theunissen

2001
Robert Spaemann

1998
Jean Starobinski

1995
Jürgen Habermas

1992
Jeanne Hersch

1989
Paul Ricoeur

1986
Hans Georg Gadamer

1983
Emmanuel Levinas

The award ceremony

The selection committee for the Karl Jaspers Prize consists of the management of Heidelberg University (chair), two individuals to be elected by the city council, one member of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences, one representative of the Max Planck Institutes based in Heidelberg, the management of the Heidelberg College for Jewish Studies, and the chair of the Karl Jaspers Foundation in Basel.

Contact

The prize is awarded by the Rectorate of Heidelberg University ( external link).