Giovanni Gentile in Philosophy
Giovanni Gentile was an Italian philosopher who lived between the years 1875 and 1944. He is known for his contributions to political and educational philosophy, as well as his influence on Italian fascist thought. In this glossary, we will explore the life, thought and main works of Giovanni Gentile, highlighting his importance in the history of philosophy.
Life and Historical Context
Giovanni Gentile was born in Castelvetrano, Sicily, on May 30, 1875. He studied philosophy at the University of Palermo and later at the University of Rome, where he became a student of Benedetto Croce, one of the leading Italian philosophers of the time. It was under the influence of Croce that Gentile developed his philosophical thought.
Active Idealism
One of Giovanni Gentile's main contributions to philosophy was the development of the concept of “active idealism”. According to Gentile, idealism should not be understood as a mere contemplation of the world of ideas, but as an action that transforms reality. For him, philosophy should not only be theoretical, but also practical.
The Philosophy of Education
Gentile was also notable for his reflections on the philosophy of education. He believed that education had a fundamental role in the formation of the individual and in the construction of a fair and egalitarian society. For Gentile, education should be aimed at the integral development of human beings, stimulating not only intellectual knowledge, but also moral and ethical formation.
Italian Fascism
Although he is recognized for his philosophical contributions, Giovanni Gentile is also remembered for his association with Italian fascism. He was one of the main theorists of fascism and collaborated with Benito Mussolini in the elaboration of fascist doctrine. Gentile believed that fascism was the most appropriate form of government for Italy, as it promoted national unity and the realization of collective ideals.
The Work “The Doctrine of Fascism”
One of Giovanni Gentile's best-known works is “The Doctrine of Fascism”, written in partnership with Benito Mussolini. In this book, Gentile exposes the fundamental principles of Italian fascism, defending the centralization of power, the suppression of individual rights in favor of the common good and the valorization of political action as a form of social transformation.
The Critique of Croce's Idealism
Despite having been a student of Benedetto Croce, Giovanni Gentile also developed criticisms of his master's idealism. Gentile argued that Croce's idealism was excessively abstract and did not take into account the practical dimension of philosophy. He proposed a more concrete and reality-engaged approach, defending the need for a philosophy that could be applied in practice.
The Importance of Gentile in Philosophy
Giovanni Gentile played a significant role in the history of Italian and European philosophy. His defense of active idealism and his contribution to the philosophy of education influenced generations of thinkers. Furthermore, his association with Italian fascism also made him a controversial and controversial figure, being the subject of debate and criticism to this day.
The Legacy of Giovanni Gentile
Giovanni Gentile's legacy is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, his philosophical ideas contributed to the development of political and educational thought. On the other hand, his association with Italian fascism tarnished his reputation and generated controversy. However, it is undeniable that Gentile left his mark on the history of philosophy, being one of the main representatives of active idealism and one of the fundamental theorists of Italian fascism.
Conclusion
Although the conclusion is a common element in blog articles, in this glossary we have chosen not to include it in order to provide objective and unbiased information about Giovanni Gentile in philosophy. We hope this glossary has been useful in understanding the life, thoughts and importance of this Italian philosopher.
