| 1. |
- Hellerstedt, Andreas, 1978-
(författare)
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Ödets teater : Ödesföreställningar i Sverige vid 1700-talets början
- 2009
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The purpose of this dissertation is to study the function of the conceptions of Fate in political contexts as well as in views on society, in early 18th century Sweden. The investigation is centered on three main concepts, namely Providence (lat. providentia), Fate (lat. fatum) and Fortune (lat. fortuna).Four specific questions are treated: Were these conceptions of Fate used as a ‘scapegoat’ or an ‘alibi’ for God, as has been suggested by recent research? How was the catastrophe of the Great Northern War (1700–1721) dealt with by aid of these conceptions? What capacity to shape their own destiny were people thought to have? Which interpretations regarding the conceptions of Fate were regarded as incorrect, and why?The dissertation shows how conceptions of fate were well established and filled a number of important functions in society, such as comfort, social discipline, and preservation of one's personal as well as national honor. Christian and classical traditions both played important parts in shaping these concepts. In particular, the philosophy of stoicism and the early Christian philosopher Boethius were central influences.
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| 2. |
- Jacobsson, Benny, 1954-
(författare)
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Den sjunde världsdelen : Västgötar och Västergötland 1646-1771. En identitetshistoria
- 2008
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This thesis considers regional identity in early-modern Sweden, taking its case from the province (landskap) of Västergötland 1646–1771. The aim is to investigate verbal expressions of regional identity. A theory on the construction of regional identity is suggested from the research results, and typological categories of regional identity are established. Contrary to popular concepts of identity being constructed in relation to an outer “other”, it is argued that identity is formed from self-images. Identity is expressed in the first person (I, we), and includes an insider’s perspective of the place occupied. As the thesis shows, the theory of regional identity is substantiated by the duality of the patria-concept. Patria, Fatherland, was employed for the smaller home province as well as for the greater realm. The realm however, always could claim priority to amor patria, Love of the Fatherland. Thus, any construction of regional identity using the neighbouring provinces as a contrasting “other” would have been counter-productive to the construction of the overarching national identity. This manifold patria-concept is of Roman origin, and made its influence through the Latin language well into early-modern time. A great variety of sources in Latin and Swedish have been consulted, including orations and dissertations, minutes of the academic senate and West Geat student nation (Västgöta nation) at Uppsala University, topography, manuscripts and letters. An in-depth study has been made of the writing processes leading up to dissertations and topographical descriptions.
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