Saturday, June 4th, 9.30 – 11.15, at Università di Verona, Room 1.4
Abstract:
In 1779 Lessing published Nathan der Weise, a very precious text in reference to the historical and philosophical understanding of the idea of tolerance. The shepherd’s son of Kamenz is among the most remarkable and sturdy voices of the german Enlightenment. To Lessing must be recognized the ability to embrace and discuss of extensive problems ranging from philology to theater, anthropology, physics, until theology. In Nathan, with the religious theme, is developed another theme dear to the author: that of tolerance. Made of five acts, was set in 1187, in the Jerusalem newly conquered from Saladin, Nathan put the reader inside what history normally calls the Third Crusade. The tale is very interesting from the beginning since interweaves, with continuous twists, not just deep and vital ties between characters that are in addition of three different religions (Jew, Muslim and Christian), but, above all, because invites the reader to think over the concept of tolerance as foundation for a possible religious politic of no-violence. The famous history of the three rings , that Nathan quotes to the Sultan, is an example. According to Lessing the Truth not only exists, but has to be attempted, and most of all, in her name can’t be sacrified the tolerance.
