Encyclopaedia and Hypertext

Expected results

To study Warburg's theory of "universal ideas" (a kind of net of universal statements on the basis of which it would be possible to reconstruct "social memory"). To explore the rich library and image archive he collected and to see in which way these almost unexplored materials could help to ground a theory of hypertext. Possible publication in the website we propose to create.

Task description

To study the unfinished work of Warburg, Mnemosyne, in order to understand the theory "universal ideas" developed by Warburg. Simultaneously, we would like to explore the fabulous library and extremely rich Image Archive which Warburg has collected. Warburg's idea is that the unity of sciences supposes an "Universal Science of Culture" through which it would be possible to reconduct to the same "fundamental ideas" all the facts present in a historical constellation.

The almost unexplored materials have been transferred to London in 1933 and, after the War, partially returned to Germany. It will be necessary to do two research visits, one to London (Warburg Institute) and another to Hamburg (Warburg Archive) of, at least, one week each.

The study of Warburg's work, Mnemosyne, will be done in parallel with that other unfinished work, Walter Benjamin's Book of Passages, an author who is closely connected with the investigation for the doctoral dissertation of this member of the team.