The sources of Glückseligkeit Cameralism and the public debate at the Kameral Hohe Schule in Lautern (1774-1790)

Abstract

The cameral sciences originated in the practice of the seventeenth century Kammer, the administrative heart of the German states. To be able to afford a standing army, German states started to look at ways to stimulate the economy and increase yields from mines, forests and agriculture on the ruler’s domains. Throughout the eighteenth century Cameralism functioned as the theoretical framework for the education of the administrative workforce. However, at the end of the eighteenth century cameralisms influence declined.

In this thesis I used Lindenfeld’s claim, that it was internal reform that eventually led to the disintegration of the cameral sciences as, as the general historical framework for my research. However, my focus will be on the ramifications of the introduction of Glückseligkeit as the new general directive for cameralism. The different definitions and uses of Glückseligkeit will function as the prism through which it is possible to analyse the internal fragmentation and reform that ultimately led to the dissolution of the cameral sciences.