Constantin Carathéodory in Munich (1924–1945) : moral courage and constraints under the Nazi Regime

Title data

Pesch, Hans Josef:
Constantin Carathéodory in Munich (1924–1945) : moral courage and constraints under the Nazi Regime.
In: Central European Journal of Operations Research. Vol. 33 (2025) . - pp. 529-535.
ISSN 1613-9178
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10100-025-00974-z

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Abstract in another language

This paper examines the life and decisions of Constantin Carathéodory, a Greek-German mathematician, during his tenure at the University of Munich (1924–1945). It addresses criticisms of Carathéodory’s actions during the Nazi regime, analyzing historical sources to argue that he maintained a hostile attitude toward the regime while supporting persecuted colleagues. The study highlights the constraints he faced and the moral choices he made against the backdrop of a tragic period in German history, offering a nuanced understanding of his legacy.