Christian Thomasius

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The book explores the Enlightenment through the lens of Christian Thomasius, highlighting his contributions to politics, law, religion, philosophy, and literature. It begins with an introduction discussing the foundations and self-understanding of Enlightenment thought. The political section examines Thomasius's critique of theocratic absolutism and the role of learned officials within the context of princely absolutism. It also addresses Thomasius's interest in economics as a discipline in Prussian universities and his practical contributions to private law. In the realm of church and religion, the text delves into the history of heresies, the conflict between empire and priesthood, and the influence of early Enlightenment on spiritualism and Pietism, particularly in the Baltic region. The philosophical section analyzes Thomasius's hermeneutics, rationality, and the role of language and behavior in his work. Literary models are discussed, including Thomasius's reception of Epicurean thought, the genre specifics of his dialogues, and his concept of love in the context of 18th-century literary trends. The book concludes with a public lecture on Thomasius’s philosophy of peace and includes a bibliography of related literature from 1989 to 1995, providing a comprehensive overview of Thomasius's impact on various fields.