Abstract

This contribution explores the political dimension of Schiller’s theoretical writings as well as his plays. Introducing into the basic theses of Schiller’s political approach in the context of his anthropological perspective, it is shown that the central concept of political change is character. Analogizing individual, people, and the species as a whole, Schiller posits aesthetic education as the central means for gaining the ability of self-determination in morals as well as politics. Therefore, the aesthetic is at the same time non-political (for it stands outside the sphere of government and aims at the moral character) and political (for the developing of character enables and authorizes for political self-determination). It is also demonstrated how Schiller deals with the French Revolution and the topic of tyrannicide.