Classical philologist and historian of ancient philosophy. Born in Breunn, Moravia (now Czech Republic). After his studies he was apointed professor of classical philology at the University of Vienna. He held this position for twenty eight years (1873-1901). He was elected to the Academy of Science in 1882. Gomperz wrote about the Greek philosophy, and his important work Griechische Denker (3 vols) which discribes the history of the Greek philosophy from its roots until Aristotle, set in the context of the development of the Greek and ancient civilizations, has been translated in many languages and is thought to be one of the basic works in the field. Gomperz was also active in politics, and served as a Liberal member of the Upper House of the Austrian Parliament. In Jewish affairs he opposed Herzl and the Zionism strongly, and was very much in favour of assimilation.
Theodor Gomperz’s biography and letters were published by his son Heinrich Gomperz.(1873-1942), who too was a philosopher. Heinrich was baptised, and was a professor in Vienna until 1934, when he refused to join Dolfuss’ Fatherland Front. He immigrated to the USA (1938). Heinrich published many works in addition to his father’s biography, including a study on the Greek philosophy and a work on Socrates Philosophical Studies (1953).