Antonio Gramsci: An Intellectual Biography

Antonio Gramsci's intellectual biography provides insight into his process of intellectual development, highlighting the connection between his political and cultural ideas. Born in Sardinia during World War I, Gramsci witnessed the devastating impact of war and the exploitation of workers. He believed that the division between intellectual and manual functions was a product of historical circumstances and needed to be overcome. Gramsci's idea of "human emancipation" involved the subversion of traditional relations between rulers and ruled and the end of exploitation of man by man.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 404 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This intellectual biography offers a comprehensive framework for understanding Antonio Gramsci's intellectual development, delving into the historical and intellectual contexts that shaped his views. While The Gramsci in Notebooks cannot fully capture the young director of L'Ordine Nuovo or the communist leader, it sheds light on the intricate connections between Gramsci's "political Gramsci" and his role as a "cultivated man."

Gramsci's life was deeply influenced by the dramatic events of World War I, the first mass conflict in which the scientific discoveries of previous decades were applied on a massive scale, resulting in the slaughter of millions of peasants and workers. Throughout his theoretical formulations, this dual relation, which exemplifies the instrumental use of "simpletons" by ruling classes, extends beyond the military context of the trenches and becomes fully realized in the fundamental relations of modern capitalist society. In contrast to the notion of social hierarchy as natural and unchangeable, Gramsci consistently affirmed the need to overcome the historically determined rupture between intellectual and manual functions, which necessitates the existence of a priesthood or a separate caste of specialists in politics and knowledge.

Gramsci's perspective goes beyond the specific professional activity, whether material or immaterial, as he believed that "all men are philosophers." This statement encapsulates his idea of "human emancipation," which represents the historical requirement for an "intellectual and moral reform." It entails the subversion of traditional relations and the establishment of new social structures that prioritize the collective well-being and empowerment of individuals.

Through his Notebooks, Gramsci provides a condensed form of his vision for human emancipation, emphasizing the importance of intellectual and moral reform. He recognized that the historical circumstances that shaped his life and work were not unique, but rather part of a broader historical process. By studying the past, Gramsci sought to understand the mechanisms that perpetuated inequality and oppression and to develop strategies for their dismantling.

Gramsci's intellectual biography remains a valuable resource for scholars and activists seeking to understand the complexities of social change and the role of intellectuals in shaping society. His ideas continue to inspire movements for social justice, democracy, and human rights throughout the world.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031156090
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023