Ehrenfels, Christian Freiherr von#
b. Rodaun, Vienna, June 20, 1869, d. Lichtenau (Lower Austria), Sept. 8, 1932, psychologist, philosopher and dramatist, father of Imma von Bodmershof; professor at the Universities of Graz, Vienna (1888-1896) and Prague (1896-1929); discovered the gestalt qualities named after him and founded gestalt psychology. Theoretical treatments and practical proposals on sexual morality and sexual reform; proponent of the theory that the goal of human action is determined by the individual's relationship to the common good ("the greatest possible promotion of what is biologically valuable").
Publications#
Grundbegriffe der Ethik, 1907; Sexualethik, 1907; Die Religion der Zukunft, 1929. - Dramas: Melusine, 1887; Der Kampf des Prometheus, 1895 (choral drama); Die Stuermer, 1913 (3 choral dramas).Literature#
NDB.