Fragmentary Genealogies. Tendencies and Linearities of History in Friedrich Schlegel

Abstract

In this paper the author focuses on the reflections of Friedrich Schlegel (considered the first philosopher of the German Romantics) on the concept of history. The works considered here range from 1798 to 1805 and include Schlegel’s essays, lessons, personal notes and fragments. In those years the reflections on the plurality of stories (Geschichten) and genealogies against the singularity of History (Geschichte) are central. “History” will emerge as a regulatory ideal of the narrative, but also of praxis. This paper will also show the limits of Koselleck’s analysis of Schlegel’s thought.