Vico Genealogist Of Modernity

by Robert C Miner

Overview

In this lucid and probing study, Robert C. Miner argues that Giambattista Vico (1668-1744) was the architect of a subversive, genealogical approach to modernity. Miner documents the genesis of Vico's stance toward modernity in the first phase of his thought. Through close examination of his early writings, centering on Vico's critique of Descartes and his elaboration of the 'verum-factum' principle, Vico, Genealogist of Modernity reveals that Vico strives to acknowledge the technical advances of modernity while unmasking its origins in human pride.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780268034689
Publisher:	University of Notre Dame Press
Publication date:	07/01/2002
Edition description:	1
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Robert C. Miner is professor of philosophy at Boston College.

Editorial Reviews

“[M]any novel and positive insights. . . . Chief of these is the way he incorporates Vico's Catholicism into his analysis of Vico's thought. He is really the first Vico scholar to try this kind of synthesis in a systematic way. ... he deserves great credit for calling attention to the New Science, and Vico's thinking as a whole, as an important episode in the study of the history of ethics and religion.” —New Vico Studies

“Miner contends that reading Vico to understand his critique of secular modernity is the key to discovering him. His text is rich in probing questions and comparisons. . . . His style is clear and interesting and ends with helpful notes, bibliography, and index.” —Choice

"Miner’s book rests on a thorough knowledge of Vico’s work. . . . [It] offers original insight and understanding into a seminal, if occasionally neglected, figure and is therefore highly recommended.” —Library Journal

From the Publisher