‘Nei pensieri e sentimenti degli uomini’: Note sul rapporto autore-opera in Eugenio Garin

This essay is meant to investigate the relationship between an author’s individuality and his works as conceived by Italian historian of philosophy Eugenio Garin (1909-2004). Properly emphasizing both the theoretical and the historiographical aspects, the essay clarifies Garin's stand by identifying his main intellectual references. First, it deals with Garin's examination of Giuseppe De Robertis' literary criticism, highlighting Garin's appreciative mentions of Renato Serra. Second, it discusses Garin's positive evaluation of Wilhelm Dilthey's studies on Hegel and draws attention to Garin's refutation of Alexandre Koyré's stance. Third, it delves into Garin's objections to Benedetto Croce's ideas of empirical individual and biography, suggesting a possible influence of Giovanni Boine and Giovanni Amendola on Garin's reaction to Croce. Finally, it analyzes Garin's preference for ‘portrait’ as the form of philosophical historiography that can better illuminate the ineluctable connection between an author’s individual, human and biographical traits and the philosophy enunciated in his works.