Nicola Abbagnano

Italian philosopher (Salerno, 15. VII. 1901 - Milan, 9. IX. 1990), representative of positive existentialism. After completing his philosophy studies in Naples, he became a professor of the history of philosophy at the University of Turin (1939–71). In his works, Abbagnano discusses the problems and issues of the philosophy of existentialism and its central concepts, human existence, freedom and choice as the highest human values. Developing and deepening the ideas of M. Heidegger and K. Jaspers, he builds his own conception of philosophy as a constant search and problem of man's position in the world. Abbagnano's interest extends to a number of interdisciplinary areas, so in his works he considers issues of the philosophy of science and religion, clashing with different currents of contemporary thought: in doing so, especially in the post-war period, he leans towards Anglo-Saxon neopositivism and pragmatism. In our country, Heda Festini was particularly interested in his philosophy. Main works: Introduction to Existentialism (Introduzione all'esistenzialismo, 1942), Philosophy, Religion, Science (Filosofia, religione, scienza, 1947), Positive Existentialism (Esistenzialismo positivo, 1948), History of Philosophy (Storia della filosofia, 1950), Philosophical dictionary (Dizionario di filosofia, 1960), Wisdom of Life (La saggezza della vita, 1985).

Citation: Abbagnano, Nicola. Croatian encyclopedia, online edition. Miroslav Krleža Lexicographic Institute, 2021. Accessed on November 19, 2023.