Democracy and Sittlichkeit: A Finnish perspective

My presentation will take a closer look to the concept of Sittlichkeit in relation to that of (liberal) democracy. Notably a Hegelian concept, Sittlichkeit is most often translated to 'ethical life' in English, but I will argue that in the Finnish context, Sittlichkeit as in Swedish 'sedlighet' and more importantly, as in Finnish 'siveellisyys', should rather be understood as a notion of obedience to the law. However, the notion must be viewed from a perspective that differs from the simple top-to-bottom approach, and bears resemblance of self-regulation and self-governance. This is because enacting laws as potential political action is implied in it. The presentation will concentrate on this interpretation of J.V. Snellman's philosophy, a 19th century Hegelian philosopher and a Finnish statesman, who was also highly influential in the nationalist Fennoman movement. The slight modifications Snellman made to the Hegelian concepts of civil society and, hence, Sittlichkeit, has further consequences also to the conception of democracy in the Finnish political culture. One of the consequences, unintended to Snellman, was that the sole notion of obedience to the law would prove to be the main characteristics of the concept of Sittlichkeit within the 19th century Finnish political discourse. However, conceptual changes in the meaning of Sittlichkeit will ultimately diminish its significance in the 20th century, but not without a trace. As I will propose, concept of Sittlichkeit left a permanent mark to the understanding of a peculiar (liberal) democratic culture that is still in effect even today.