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Nicola AbbagnanoItalian existentialist philosopher.
Date of Birth: 15.07.1901
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Nicola Abbagnano: A Profound Existentialist
- Academia and Professional Life
- Influence of Existentialism and Pragmatism
- New Enlightenment Movement
- Later Career and Legacy
- Death and Legacy
Nicola Abbagnano: A Profound Existentialist
Early Life and EducationBorn in Salerno, Italy, in a family of law, Nicola Abbagnano embarked on his philosophical journey in Naples. Under the tutelage of renowned philosopher Antonio Aliotta, he obtained his degree in philosophy in 1922. His doctoral dissertation later evolved into the seminal work, "Le sorgenti irrazionali del pensiero."
Academia and Professional Life
After teaching history and philosophy, Abbagnano became a professor of Philosophy and Pedagogy in 1917. He also served as editorial secretary for Aliotta's journal, "Logos." From 1936 to 1976, he held the prestigious position of professor of History of Philosophy, culminating in his appointment to the Faculty of Philosophy and Philology at the University of Turin in 1939.
Influence of Existentialism and Pragmatism
In Turin, Abbagnano embraced existentialism, then a dominant force in Italian philosophy. However, influenced by the outbreak of World War II, he turned his attention to American pragmatism, particularly as espoused by John Dewey. He skillfully integrated certain aspects of pragmatism into his existentialist framework.
New Enlightenment Movement
Post-war, Abbagnano founded the Center for Methodological Research in Turin alongside fellow academics. Together, they spearheaded the New Enlightenment movement from 1952 to 1960. This initiative aimed to foster interdisciplinary research and engage with international philosophical thought.
Later Career and Legacy
From 1964 to 1972, Abbagnano penned columns for the Turin newspaper "La Stampa." Upon relocating to Milan, he joined "Indro Montanelli's Giornale." Additionally, he served as Milan's liberal councilor for cultural affairs. Abbagnano's contributions to philosophy primarily centered on methodology, idealism, anti-idealism, and existentialism, culminating in the influential "New Enlightenment" project.
Death and Legacy
Nicola Abbagnano passed away on September 9, 1990, at the age of 89. His remains were laid to rest in Santa Margherita Ligure, a tranquil coastal town on the Italian Riviera. His profound work continues to inspire and provoke philosophical inquiry worldwide.
