THE ASSUMED PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF DÁNIEL GUTTMANNʼS “ODD” PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

Abstract

In 1903 a merchant from Zrenjanin named Dániel Guttmann launched a journal titled Fáklya-Világ which was an exceptional undertaking in the history of the Hungarian press in Vojvodina before 1918. His journalʼs – only one known issue – credo-like introduction is irrational, idealized, and utopist, however shows the philosophical aspects of an undeniably unique “peculiar world”. Guttmann was the publisher, the editor and the only author of Fáklya-Világ, the journalʼs contents consisted of unusual philosophical essays, religious and biblical literary texts and articles, and pamphlets discussing the advantages of socialism. There is little to be known about the author, but based on what we know he seemed to be a widely read young intellectual with a particular sensibility for philosophy. Since we know nothing about Guttmannsʼs readings and his texts lack references we can only make assumptions based on his work and the eraʼs theoretical schools about the philosophical background resulting in this – so far – unknown press and intellectual historical event. Therefore the research cannot contain exact facts and references, but a review of the theoretical influences that effected Dániel Guttmannʼs philosophical ideas.