Mourning for Professor Alexander Thumfart

Alexander Thumfart was already active at the University of Erfurt when it was re-founded. After studying Philosophy, Political Science and Protestant Theology in Munich and Augsburg, he earned his doctorate with a thesis on "The Perspective and the Signs. Hermetic Ciphers in Giovanni Pico della Mirandola" (Fink-Verlag, 1996). His habilitation thesis, "Die politische Integration Ostdeutschlands," was published by Suhrkamp Verlag in 2002 and parts of it were also published in Korean. In August 2011, he was appointed associate professor of political science at the University of Erfurt.

Professor Thumfart's work focused in particular on political theories and cultural theories. He devoted special interest to the transformation processes in East Germany, theories of freedom and justice. He was also very popular with students, as evidenced not least by numerous awards for his courses. Alexander Thumfart was concerned with political theory not only in research and teaching; as a local politician he was also actively involved in the practice of politics. He was a city councilor of the state capital Erfurt for more than 15 years and was involved in many other commissions and honorary offices. Cultural policy was a particular concern of his.

With Alexander Thumfart, the Faculty of Economics, Law and Social Sciences loses a universally respected personality, whose enthusiasm and charm had an impact far beyond our campus. We will honor the memory of this highly esteemed colleague.

Prof. Dr. Walter Bauer-Wabnegg
President of the University of Erfurt

Prof. Dr. Till Talaulicar
Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Law and Social Sciences