Hermann Simon--reformer of psychiatry, social Darwinist, and National Socialist?

Abstract

Hermann Simon (1867-1947) was shaped in his psychiatric thinking and views of society by the German empire. He showed a strongly conservative attitude and thought in ethnic-nationalistic terms. Beginning in 1905 and drawing on practical experience, he developed the concept of a "more active therapy." Simon perceived patients in a holistic way, regarding them not so much as sick people but as fellow men. He believed in the ability of a healthy personality to practice responsible and "well ordered self determination." Thus he defined the role of the doctor in a new way. Within Germany as well as internationally, active therapy was well-received, especially because of its positive effect on the atmosphere within asylums. In the context of reform of so-called open care during the Weimar epoch, Simon's approach was perceived in a new way because it allowed individual views of each patient, enabling assessment of the ability to work and chances for release. Simon himself set his concept in a "biological" and psychological context, based on his own biologistic and social Darwinistic world view. This view was open for eugenic, racial hygienic concepts, and fundamental criticism of welfare policy. It was only a short step from this conservative tenor, understanding of the state, and biologistic thinking to his open acclaim of Hitler and National Socialist (Nazi) racist policy.