Friedrich Schiller und die Demokratie

The subject of this study is democratic political thought in the dramatic and historiographic opus of Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805). The study situates the references to democracy in Schiller's work against the historical backgrounds of German territorial absolutism and the French Revolution, and evaluates them on the basis of a »modern concept of democracy«. The study is divided into three main chapters. In chapter one, the author shows that Schiller understood, illustrated and called for the »substance« of democracy, i.e. security, self-determination and citizens' rights of individual liberty. Similarly to Humboldt, the author argues, Schiller considered citizens' self-determination to be the origin of individual and cultural progress. The author discusses in detail the significance of individual liberty rights and human rights in Schiller's work, examining in particular the principles of communication and justice in Don Karlos and Maria Stuart. In addition, the author points out parallels to Kant's concept of human dignity. In chapter two, the author asks whether Schiller was familiar with the »structure« of democracy, i.e. with the political equality of citizens. The author advances the opinion that democratic structures are latent in Schiller's work, but are not realised in the modern sense. Schiller, it is argued, considered political equality possible and wished it to materialise as a form of governance for future generations. However, democracy for Schiller was possible only under certain prerequisites. In demonstrating this, the author distinguishes between legal prerequisites (representation, independence of the citizens and members of parliament) and ethical prerequisites (political maturity). In chapter three, the author highlights the »universality« of democracy, i.e. the references to European and international law in Schiller's work. The author concludes that Schiller was a European thinker who apprehended the protection of civic liberty, particularly freedom of religion, as the core of a European identity. Moreover, Schiller spoke in support of peace in Europe and a balance of power between the European states. The author argues that ultimately, Schiller followed Hugo Grotius in advocating a humanitarian form of international law.