KRAUSE, KARL CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH ( 1781 1832). A German philosopher and writer on Free masonry. Ile studied philosophy at Jena, became privat-docent there in 1802, then taught in Dres den, and lectured subsequently in Berlin and Gilttingen. Though his courses in philosophy were very popular, he was unable to secure a professor ship. For this purpose he went to Nunieh (1831), but was disliked as a socialist, since he maintained that all mankind should be asso ciated in a common endeavor for universal devel opment. Feeling that he found in Freemasonry the first principles of such an organization, he had joined the order in 1805 and written much in its interest. He roused resentment, however, by his independent theories, and was expelled in 1810. Among his works on this subject were Dic drei alteRten KunSiarkundca der Frei maurerbriidersehaft (3d ed. t849) and Inhere der (Tilt iiberlieferten Grund symbole tier Ereinuturerei (3d ed. 1820). In philosophy Krause's work has been differently estimated by different historians. Heinze in his revision of Ueberweg's History of Philosophy speaks of Krause as "the many-sided, peculiar and deep thinker," while Windelband says that "Krause has scarcely any other originality than the very objectionable one of presenting the thought common to the whole idealistic develop ment in an unintelligible terminology." The universe, for Krause, exists in God. God is
essence prior and superior to all distinction and difference, and yet comprehending within itself all distinctions and differences. These compre hended differences constitute finite realities, which are thus members of the articulate system of divine essence. Organie union is thus a fundamental fact of reality, and hence must be striven for by man in his moral, sneial, and political life. Every individual should be a member of a union (Ruud). and every union should belong to a larger union until at last. all humanity is included in a definitely organized social system. His most important works on philosophy, published in his life-time, are: Entwurf des Systems der Philosophie (1804); System der Sittenlch•e (1810) ; Dos Urbild der Mcnsclihcit (1811) ; and l'o•lesungcn fiber das System der Philosophic (1828). After his death it was found that he had left behind him an immense amount of matter in manuscript, part of which has been published. Consult: S. Linde mann, Lcbersirlilliche parstellung des Lcbcns ?Ind der Wissen.srhufislclire Krauscs uml (lessen Stamlpunkt•s :or Freimanrcrbriiderschaft (Ain 1839) ; Krausesche Philosophic (Jena, 1879) ; Martin, Krauscs Leben, Lehrc um) Beckoning (Leipzig, 1881) ; Etwken, Zur E•in acrung an Krause (Leipzig, 1881).