Grice e Longano

 

Longano (1728–1796) was a prominent figure of the 

Southern Italian Enlightenment, whose work Philosophia Rationalis (often appearing in parts like De arte logica) serves as a bridge between rigid traditional rationalism and modern psychological and social thought. 

Main Points of Philosophia Rationalis

• Holistic View of Man: Longano challenged the "rigidly rationalistic" views of his era by arguing for a new conception of humanity that integrated the body and soul.
• Revaluation of the "Non-Rational": He emphasized human components previously neglected by philosophers, such as passions, fantasy, and the psychological dimension.
• Logic and Truth: In his De arte logica (a core volume of his rational philosophy), he explored the nature of ideas, signs, and the distinction between truth and error, aiming to refine the "art of thinking".
• Freedom and Equality: By viewing man as a "totality," Longano extended his philosophical logic into social ethics, advocating for universal freedom and equality inspired by Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau and Montesquieu. 

Importance in the History of Italian Philosophy

• Enlightenment Reformism: Longano is a key representative of the Neapolitan Enlightenment. His philosophical inquiries into human nature led him to propose concrete socio-economic reforms for Southern Italy, such as the dissolution of feudal structures and the creation of small landowners.
• Utopian Thought: His work culminated in a vision for a "communist" society in the utopian city of Filopoli, where labor, freedom, and equality were guaranteed for all—a significant shift toward modern social philosophy in Italy.
• Educational Reform: He was a vocal advocate for public education, proposing detailed syllabuses for both boys and girls, emphasizing that a rational society requires an educated citizenry.
• Successor to Genovesi: As a student and eventually the successor of Antonio Genovesi, Longano carried forward the tradition of using philosophy as a tool for "civil commerce" and the practical improvement of Italian society.