»Glauben Sie mir […]: das Wort Zufall ist Gotteslästerung«

Abstract The essay begins with a discussion of the concepts of chance and contingency from both philosophical and common knowledge perspectives. Subsequently, the essay analyzes Schiller’s rejection of chance as a dramaturgical factor, which he offers in the preface to Die Verschwörung des Fiesko zu Genua. This analysis is conducted with a reference to Lessing’s Hamburgische Dramaturgie. The reading then poses the question: Could Schiller’s figure Fiesko and Lessing’s Orsina be correct in crediting Providence’s hand, despite their misguided perception of their own standing and role? After a brief exploration of the »Schicksalsdrama« genre, which was prominent in the 19th century, the focus then shifts to Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s comedy Die Physiker. In Dürrenmatt’s play, chance emerges as the ultimate principle governing worldly events.