Zwischen Verzweiflung und Hoffnung. Anders, Bloch und Jungk

The aim of this paper is to investigate some of Robert Jungk’s (1913-1994) most significant theses regarding nuclear weapons, comparing them on the one hand with the perspectives of the “philosopher of hope”, Ernst Bloch (1885-1977), and, on the other hand, with the “thinker of despair”, Günther Stern, known as Günther Anders (1900-1992). The affinities be- tween Anders and Bloch can be found in their engagement in the nuclear issues, but also in the common consideration of the philosophy of praxis as a device and “organon” of critical thinking. The persistent trust in the future and in the modifiability of the world and of the humanity implies a strong difference between the positions of the two intellectuals. In this di- rection Jungk’s remarks instead reveal unexpected contacts with the phi- losopher Ernst Bloch and with his topic of a concrete utopia.