Among the classics of the history of philosophy, the Scienza nuova (New Science) by Giambattista Vico (1668–1744) was largely neglected and generally misunderstood during the author's lifetime. From the nineteenth century onwards Vico’s views found a wider audience, and today his influence is widespread in the humanities and social sciences. The New Science is often taught in courses at colleges and universities, both in philosophy and Italian departments and in general humanities courses. Despite the excellent English translations of this enigmatic book and numerous studies in English of Vico, many sections of the work remain challenging to the modern reader. Vico's New Science of the Intersubjective World offers both an in-depth analysis of all the important ideas of the book and an evaluation of their contribution to our present understanding of the social world.
Vittorio Hösle is the Paul G. Kimball Professor of Arts and Letters in the Department of German Languages and Literatures, and concurrent professor of philosophy and political science.
The launch will also feature Vittorio Hösle's recently published books A Short History of German Philosophy and Eric Rohmer: Filmmaker and Philosopher.
The event is open to the public.
Sponsored by the Department of German and Russian Languages and Literatures, Philosophy Department, and University of Notre Dame Press.