Etica minore. Note storico-teoriche sulla moralistica

The essay takes its cue from the task outlined in Giovanni Macchia's anthology (I Moralisti europei): to provide an overview of “moralistique” and its intellectual role. Moralism is a mixed philosophical-literary genre that has accompanied the formation of modern culture. On the one hand, it has proposed an anatomy of human nature; on the other, it has helped to forge the concept of civilisation (rules of conduct, self-government, good manners, education). After touching on this dual role, thanks in part to Kant's pragmatic anthropological perspective, the essay defines “moralistique” as minor ethics. While major ethics studies the foundation of moral action, minor ethics questions that foundation without ceasing to seek it. Thus, it is as much a guide to moral living as it is an investigation into the intrinsic limits of every practice of good.