Abstract

Can Ludwig Klages, the 'Lebensphilosoph', be brought into fruitful conjunction with Friedrich Schiller, 'der Dichter der Freiheit'? This discussion briefly outlines Klages's system of so-called 'biocentric' metaphysics, before turning to a consideration of his reception of Schiller, including an overview of earlier work in this area by one of Klages's followers, Hans Eggert Schröder. In the light of Klages's comments on Schiller in 'Grundlegung der Wissenschaft vom Ausdruck', a close reading of key passages in the treatise 'Ueber Anmuth und Würde' is shown to reveal important insights in terms of the theory of 'expressiveness'. By investigating the possibility of a 'biocentric' approach to Schiller as a means to rediscovering his significance as an aesthetician, this paper hopes at the same time to have taken the first step on a longer path of constructing a 'biocentric' aesthetics.