Translation as a Philosophical Lens on German-Jewish Thought

Translation has been vital for displaced communities, preserving cultural memory and facilitating adaptation. In the German-Jewish tradition, it held deep philosophical significance, serving as a tool for negotiating identity amidst the absence of a shared language or homeland. Yet, scholarship has often limited its scope to biblical translations, neglecting its broader philosophical implications. PHIL-TRAGEN addresses this gap by redefining translation as a philosophical framework for reinterpreting German-Jewish thought, encompassing two centuries that trace its inception and culmination. It examines translation not merely as a linguistic or cultural practice but as a border phenomenon that bridges divides and builds communities. Central to PHIL-TRAGEN is exploring not only what is translated but why and how translators engage in the act of translation, revealing the driving forces that shaped German-Jewish identity and intellectual history beyond the texts themselves. Moreover, by foregrounding the often-overlooked contributions of female translators, PHIL-TRAGEN frames translation as an act of intellectual resistance and empowerment, showing how these figures reshaped German-Jewish intellectual history with an inclusive perspective. Through an interdisciplinary approach rooted in philosophy, cultural history, and gender studies, PHIL-TRAGEN introduces a paradigm shift by reconceptualizing translation as a philosophical framework for understanding language, cultural belonging and identity. Its objectives include decentring traditional perspectives on German-Jewish thought, rescuing the contributions of marginalized voices—particularly women—and exploring translation as a pedagogical tool as well as an act of resistance in extreme contexts, such as Nazi concentration camps. By addressing identity, memory, and resistance, PHIL-TRAGEN advances our understanding of translation as a philosophical tool for sustaining and reinterpreting minority cultural identities.