The New Map of the World

Studying the great Italian philosopher of history, Giambattista Vico, this book aims to show how much understanding he can bring to contemporary social problems. It emphasizes the place of poetry in Vico's educational project, which links literature, history, religion, philosophy, and politics. Beginning with Vico's autobiography, the author explores the philosopher's attempt to unite the arts and sciences as he attempted to bring some kind of political unity to modern society. He examines the interaction of the issues that fascinated him: his educational and political project, his sense of the necessity for a new way of conceiving authority, and his belief in the power of poetry.