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This chapter explores key aspects of Blumenberg's life, career, and touches upon some important works and influences. Although it is unable to cover the entirety of Blumenberg's extensive oeuvre, it identifies important parts of his thought that re-emerge in his theory of myth. It also serves as an introduction to factors in his life and thought that may have influenced the political themes in his later work. It pays particular attention to Blumenberg's experiences in his early life having been designated a "half-jew' by the Nazi regime. This caused him difficulties from which he emerged and had an immensely successful career. It covers three key themes and concepts that are important for understanding his later works: Metaphorology, the legitimacy of modernity, and the "lifeworld'.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-02532-8_2

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