The Enlightenment at the End of the Republic of Dubrovnik. Patriotic Society (1793–1794)

Abstract

The Patriotic Society, founded in February 1793 by the learned Dubrovnik aristocrat Miho Sorgo (1739-1796), is considered the first true Enlightenment society in the Republic of Dubrovnik. Unlike the previous humanistic and baroque societies, which bore the name “academy” and were all dedicated to literary and linguistic topics, Sorgo’s society of amateur scholars was focused on practicality and social engagement. This meant a critical attitude towards the reality of Dubrovnik, and especially towards the ruling aristocratic oligarchy gathered in the Senate, which held a monopoly on political decision-making. Although Europe was undergoing profound social and political transformations at the time, the static nature of Dubrovnik’s conservative circles did not allow for any attempts at reform. Owing to this, the society of reformists was very short-lived, lasting only a year. This paper will present an overview of academic sociability in Dubrovnik up to the eighteenth century, as well as the establishment and goals of the Patriotic Society and its members. The topics of preserved speeches will be presented and the role of the aristocrat Tomo Bassegli (1756–1806), whose Enlightenment profile was formed during his stays in Switzerland, Germany and Austria.