DA PHILOSOPHIE UND RELIGION ALLA FREIHEITSSCHRIFT. IL FINITO, IL MALE, LA LIBERTA' UMANA NEL PENSIERO DI SCHELLING (1804-1809).

The thesis is subdivided into two main chapters, which correspond to the analysis of two Schelling’s fundamental works, the Philosophie und Religion (1804) and the so called Freiheitsschrift (1809). In the first chapter, the thesis discusses the problem of finitude, evil and human freedom in the wider context of Schelling’s system of identity, while stressing some theoretical as well as ethical issues, provoked by the doctrine of a metaphysical prohibition of a transition from the infinite realm (the Absolute) to the finite and empirical world and the adoption of the mythical conception of the “fall” (Abfall) as explanation of the finite world itself (compared to the absolute world of ideas, the real and finite world is the result of an ontological decay). Not only does the finite world have no autonomy, but also human freedom, as the main consequence of the fall, is blankly denied. Refusal of finite human freedom means refusal of individuality, particularity and man’s historicity. The second chapter aims to investigate the special reworking of these concepts in the light of a new systematical frame, which finally acknowledges the ontological content of finitude and human freedom. Providing a more complex structure of the Absolute, Schelling is able to make his rational and pantheistic system compatible with issues like evil and freedom, putting into crisis his own system of identity and paving the way to the historical and theological speculation of the Ages of the world and the later “positive philosophy”. Generally speaking, the thesis provides a wide focus on Schelling’s philosophy of nature, art and history. Through a philological and hermeneutical approach, it takes into consideration Schelling’s numerous essays from the initial to the final step of his long meditation (even though, with a particular emphasis on the works of the “identity period”). This occurs all trough the main chapters as well as the closing Appendix. Key words: Schelling, finite, Absolute, freedom, evil.