El profesor, el teólogo y el político: Novalis frente al Atheismusstreit de Fichte

Abstract

This paper aims to inquire Novalis’ philosophical, theological and political readings about the controversy that involved Johann Gottlieb Fichte and ended up with his removal as a profesor at the University of Jena, the so-called Atheismusstreit. The article’s main thesis statement affirms that Novalis possesses a truly detailed knowledge of the discussions within this controversy. At the same time, and with certain nuances, he exhibites a considerable political and philosophical affinity with Fichte’s plea. In order to demonstrate this statement, we examine Novalis’ correspondence, alongside two of his main works: Das Allgemeine Brouillon. Materialien zur Enzyklopädistik and Die Christenheit oder Europa, both belonging to 1799, the year in which the controversy primarily took place.