New Science

Author: Vico
Publisher:
Publication Date: 1997-12-01
Features: The First New Science gives a clear account of the basic theme of Vico's mature philosophy: the belief that functions which are necessary for the maintenance of human society and culture—including philosophy—are also historically conditioning. Vico challenges the traditional view that philosophy can claim a historically independent viewpoint from which to make its pronouncements, thus raising the question whether viable philosophical theories can ever be more than an intellectual expression of the underlying beliefs of an age. The First New Science is the first of Vico's works in which he was able to, by writing in Italian, both to expound and to demonstrate his conception of the philosophical importance of etymology. This Cambridge Texts edition is the first complete English translation of the 1725 text. Accompanied by a glossary, bibliography, chronology of Vico’s life and an expository introduction, it makes this important work accessible to students for the first time. LEON POMPA, is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy of the University of Birmingham. He has published over a hundred articles and books in the fields of philosophy of history, epistemology, the history of philosophy and idealist philosophy. His works include Vico: a study of the New Science (Cambridge 1977: 2nd edn. 1990). He is also the translator and editor of Vico: Selected Writings (Cambridge, 1982).