The Ethics of Giacomo Leopardi: A Philosophy for the Environmental Crisis

Alice Gibson's book explores how Giacomo Leopardi's ethics and philosophy of nature offer ways to understand and address the environmental crisis. It challenges the common image of Leopardi as a pessimist and reveals his forward-looking views on living in a multispecies world. Gibson brings Leopardi's thought into dialogue with contemporary ecological theorists to show how a Leopardian ethics of solidarity, compassion, and community can guide us in reframing our relationship with nature.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Introduction to the Thought of Giacomo Leopardi

Giacomo Leopardi, a pioneering poet-philosopher, left an indelible mark on the world of thought with his profound insights into the human condition and the natural world. In her groundbreaking book, "The Ethics of Giacomo Leopardi," Alice Gibson takes Leopardi's ideas to new heights by exploring how his ethics and philosophy of nature offer valuable tools for understanding and taking responsibility for the pressing environmental crisis.

Through a comprehensive examination of Leopardi's entire oeuvre, from his early works like "Zibaldone" to the poems he wrote towards the end of his life, Gibson challenges the conventional portrayal of Leopardi as a pessimistic poet whose works contribute to the nihilistic tradition. Instead, she reveals his forward-looking views on living in a multispecies world, where humans coexist with other living beings in a delicate ecosystem that demands both respect and wonder.

By engaging in a dialogue with contemporary ecological theorists such as Donna Haraway, Bruno Latour, and Timothy Morton, Gibson demonstrates how a Leopardian ethics of solidarity, compassion, and community provides the guidance we need today to redefine our relationship with nature. She shows how Leopardi's insights into the interconnectedness of all living things and his recognition of the inherent vulnerability of the natural world can inspire us to adopt a more sustainable and ethical approach to our interactions with the environment.

Through her meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Gibson offers readers a fresh perspective on Leopardi's thought, revealing him as a philosopher who is deeply concerned with the moral and ethical dimensions of human existence and the urgent need to address the environmental crisis. "The Ethics of Giacomo Leopardi" is a must-read for anyone who seeks to deepen their understanding of the human-nature relationship and explore new avenues for promoting sustainability and compassion in our world.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350298644