Rosmini: a philosopher in search of the economy

Abstract

Having developed ideas as comprehensive and deep as those of Hegel or Kant, Antonio Rosmini (1797-1855) is considered one of the most important philosophers of European modernity. However, he was also a practical thinker who gave birth to a social and economic project for the Italy and the Europe of his time. Although Rosmini never wrote a specific book on economic science and he is better known for his political and juridical theories than for his economic ones, he wrote important economic texts dispersed throughout his numerous works. The purpose of the article is, in the first place, to provide an accessible introduction to Rosmini’s economic thought showing its amplitude and connection to the history of economic ideas. In the second place, the article attempts to propose an original interpretation of Rosmini’s economic thought that differs from the ones proposed by some other Rosminian scholars. Finally, in the third place, the article tries to show the reader the relevance of Rosmini’s economic conception and public policy proposals in relation to contemporary economic debate.