Who is it: Schmitt, Carl in Philosophy
Carl Schmitt was a renowned German philosopher, jurist and political theorist who lived between the years 1888 and 1985. He is widely known for his contributions to the field of political theory, especially in relation to the concept of sovereignty and the study of the relationship between politics and right. In this glossary, we will explore in detail the life, ideas and main works of Carl Schmitt.
Life and Historical Context
Carl Schmitt was born in Plettenberg, Germany, on July 11, 1888. He grew up in a conservative Catholic family and studied law at the universities of Strasbourg, Munich and Berlin. During World War I, Schmitt served as a soldier, and after the conflict he began his academic career as a law professor at the University of Bonn.
In the 1920s, Schmitt became actively involved in German politics and became a prominent member of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, better known as the Nazi Party. His association with the party and its controversial political ideas led to his exclusion from university teaching after the Second World War.
Philosophical Contributions
Carl Schmitt is best known for his contributions to the field of political theory. He developed a theoretical approach that emphasized the importance of political sovereignty and the need for centralized decision-making power. His most famous work, “The Concept of the Politician”, published in 1927, explores the nature of the politician and the relationship between friend and enemy.
Schmitt argued that politics is essentially a field of conflict between groups that identify as friends or enemies. He defended the idea that political sovereignty is based on the ability to decide who the enemy is and act in accordance with this identification. This provocative vision has generated much debate and criticism, but it has also profoundly influenced contemporary political thought.
Main Works
In addition to “The Concept of the Politician”, Carl Schmitt wrote several other important works throughout his career. Among them, the following stand out:
– “Political Theology” (1922): In this work, Schmitt explores the relationship between politics and religion, arguing that modern politics is a secularized form of theology.
– “The Crisis of Parliamentary Democracy” (1923): In this book, Schmitt criticizes the parliamentary democratic system and argues that true democracy can only be achieved through strong and decisive leadership.
– “The Nomos of the Earth” (1950): In this work, Schmitt analyzes the relationship between international law and sovereignty, exploring the concept of “nomos” as a spatial and temporal order that underlies politics.
Criticisms and Controversies
Carl Schmitt's ideas have generated much criticism and controversy over the years. His association with the Nazi Party and his authoritarian and anti-democratic views led to widespread rejection of his theories after World War II. Many accused him of being an apologist for totalitarianism and of having contributed to the rise of the Nazi regime.
However, despite criticism, Schmitt's ideas continue to be studied and debated by academics and political theorists. His unique and provocative theoretical approach still offers valuable insights into the nature of politics and power relations.
Legacy and Influence
Carl Schmitt's legacy is complex and controversial. Although his ideas were widely rejected after World War II, his influence continues to be felt in many areas of contemporary political thought. Many political theorists and philosophers have been inspired by his ideas about sovereignty, politics and law.
Furthermore, Schmitt's works have also been the subject of study and critical analysis, contributing to the development of new perspectives and approaches in the field of political theory. His lasting impact on political philosophy is a testament to the importance of his intellectual contributions.
Conclusion
In short, Carl Schmitt was a German philosopher and political theorist whose provocative and controversial ideas continue to influence contemporary political thought. His contributions to the field of political theory, especially in relation to the concept of sovereignty and the relationship between politics and law, are widely studied and debated to this day. Despite criticism and controversy, Schmitt's intellectual legacy remains an important milestone in the history of political philosophy.
