From fennophilia to fennomania: Henrik Gabriel Porthan and development of Finnish national thought

This paper examines peculiarities of the Finnish social and national thought in the second half of the XVIIIth century. Characteristic features of the Finish Enlightenment period are revealed. Special attention is paid to the philosophical heritage of Henrik Gabriel Porthan (1739-1804). His philosophical legacy had a significant impact on the development of Finish humanities and establishment of the Finnish national movement in the XIXth century.