Nicola Abbagnano

Nicola Abbagnano (1901–1990) was an Italian philosopher and a leading representative of existentialism in Italy, known for his positive reinterpretation of this direction. He studied philosophy in Naples and later taught at the University of Turin. His approach to existentialism, known as "positive existentialism", emphasizes hope, freedom of choice and human responsibility, in contrast to the pessimistic tones of Sartre and Heidegger.

His most important works include Existence and the Absurd (1939) and Existentialism as a Philosophy of Man (1948), while his monumental work Dictionary of Philosophy has become a key handbook for philosophical studies. He was the editor-in-chief of the journal Rivista di filosofia and collaborated in the creation of encyclopedic works on philosophy. Abbagnano advocated a philosophy that offers solutions to the practical problems of human existence, making him a unique voice in contemporary philosophy.