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Eric Hilgendorf, Paul Johann Anselm Ritter von Feuerbach als Strafrechtsreformer

Eric Hilgendorf, Paul Johann Anselm Ritter von Feuerbach als Strafrechtsreformer
 
On September 10, 2023, Professor Eric Hilgendorf, Distinguished Global Faculty of PKU Law and Professor of Criminal Law at the University of Würzburg, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on "Paul Johann Anselm Ritter von Feuerbach als Strafrechtsreformer " at PKU Law.
 
Unveiling the Man Behind the Theories
Instead of offering a chronological account, Professor Hilgendorf painted a vibrant portrait of Feuerbach, humanizing the legal titan. We saw Feuerbach not just as a scholar but as a young man torn between his passion for philosophy and his initial reluctance towards law. His transformation from a hesitant student to a leading professor, heavily influenced by the Enlightenment's ideals, was captivatingly portrayed.
Beyond Philosophy: Influences from Diverse Paths
Professor Hilgendorf went beyond intellectual influences. He meticulously explored how Feuerbach's diverse career experiences – from military officer to judge – and the surrounding cultural climate shaped his groundbreaking theories on criminal law. This holistic approach shattered the image of a solitary legal scholar and gave rise to a dynamic picture of Feuerbach, informed by his multifaceted life.
A Legacy Reflected in a New Light
The lecture wasn't just about illuminating the past; it was about equipping present and future legal minds with valuable tools. By showcasing Feuerbach's intellectual journey and the factors that shaped his theories, Professor Hilgendorf provided his audience with a deeper understanding of this influential figure. This understanding empowers further research and critical analysis, allowing future generations to build upon Feuerbach's legacy.
From Classroom to a Legacy of Progress
Professor Hilgendorf's lecture transcended the confines of Room 307. It served as a reminder that legal scholarship has its roots in human stories, diverse experiences, and cultural contexts. By understanding Feuerbach's journey, we gain a richer perspective on the evolution of criminal law and the potential for further development based on the lessons of the past.
 
  • Speaker Profile:
Eric Hilgendorf holds a degree in Philosophy, Modern History, and Law from the University of Tübingen (BA/MA equivalent). In 1997 he was appointed Professor of Criminal Law (and related fields) at the University of Constance and later elected Dean of the Law Faculty there. In 2001 he moved to the University of Würzburg and became the Chair of the Department of Criminal Law, Criminal Justice, Legal Theory, Information and Computer Science Law. His fields of expertise and interest also include medical criminal law and bioethics. In 2010, Hilgendorf founded the "Forschungsstelle Robotrecht", a well-known research centre addressing legal issues related to autonomous systems in industrial processes, transport and private life. Since 2013, he is head of the pan-European legal research group of AdaptIVe, an EU-funded research project on the development of autonomous vehicles. In 2016, he was appointed by Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure Alexander Dobrindt to serve on the German government's Ethics Commission on Autonomous Driving. Since 2019, Hilgendorf is Co-Director of the newly founded Bavarian Research Institute for Digital Transformation (BIDT). Moreover, he is member of the European High Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence. Hilgendorf is the author of multiple books, essays, and annotations. Many of his works have been translated into other languages such as English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Turkish and Greek. Among his works are: Strafgesetzbuch: Lehr- und Praxiskommentar (2020), Die Deutsche Strafrechtswissenschaft : Tradition und Moderne (2015), Handbook of German Criminal Law (2018), Casebook on Criminal Law: General and Specific Sections (2008).
 
To learn more about the event, please check out:
https://www.law.pku.edu.cn/xwzx/xwdt/152771.htm