Symboltheorie bei Novalis

Andreas Kubik develops a theological concept of symbols, equally applicable to aesthetics, based on concepts within the philosophy of Friedrich von Hardenberg (Novalis). Novalis' theory of aesthetic and religious symbolization was established in a constant discourse with Fichte's philosophy. The author describes Fichte's early position and reception of Novalis, examining this against the backdrop of the concepts of symbols in the philosopy of the Enlightenment. From the viewpoint of religious theory, Novalis' concept of symbols does permit a consistent theory of religion which is centered around the religious 'mediator'. Novalis belongs neither to the Catholic Restoration nor to Pietism; rather his theory of religion is much closer to enlightened Protestantism, in particular to Schleiermacher.