Chapter Three. The Lessing/Schumann Controversy Lessing’s Stance On Contingency Compared To Kant’s Stance

Abstract

This chapter begins with a quote of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing from his work Uber den Beweis des Geistes und der Kraft, on philosophy (of religion). In order to interpret it appropriately, the author carries out an in-depth analysis of Beweis by embedding it in its proper context, viz. the controversy between Lessing and Schumann and provides an interpretation of this controversy in terms of the current epistemological discussion. The chapter draws out the consequences of the interpretation suggested with regard to the question of Lessing's stance on theological issues. The chapter summarizes Kant's stance on contingency and compares Kant's stance on contingency to Lessing's in Beweis.Keywords: contingency; Gotthold Ephraim Lessing's Stance; Kant's stance; Schumann