Walter Kaufmann is a 20th century philosopher most often remembered and referenced for his scholarly work, translations and anthologies of Nietzsche and Existentialism. This is unfortunate insofar as Kaufmann's actual contribution to philosophy was much broader, encompassing philosophy of religion, philosophy of history, aesthetics and moral philosophy, to name only a few.
Walter Kaufmann's philosophy is a unique blend of scholarship, critique and positive philosophical doctrine that sees breadth of knowledge and acuity of critical analysis as tools for the emancipation and actualization of the self-empowered, creative and socially responsible individual. Towards this end Kaufmann repeatedly turns in his various publications and writings to discussions of thinkers and artists such as Socrates, Nietzsche, Goethe and Van Gogh in order to advocate his conception of the dynamic, contemplative and creative life that he came to see more and more throughout his career as an ideal.
Walter Kaufmann's philosophical writings are both inspiring and unimpeachable with regard to scholarship, and yet his most provocative and original works are largely disregarded, while some of his very best (including the book from which the Decidephobia list was taken) are out of print and almost totally unavailable. It is my sincere hope that this page and listing of Kaufmann's works will help spark renewed interest in and study of this remarkable philosopher.