The "mente eroica" in popular assemblies. Heroism in the "tempi umani" in the Scienza Nuova of 1725

Abstract

This article analyzes Vico’s formulation of the “heroic mind” in the Scienza nuova of 1725, focusing on the role played by civil heroism within popular assemblies in the human times. Taking paragraph XXXVII of chapter II as its point of departure, it reconstructs the genealogy of heroism from its original expressions –strongly passionate, corporeal– to its transformation into an abstract political capacity capable of generating just laws through the overcoming of particular interests. The article examines the relationship between heroic mind and pure mind, showing how the universality achieved in free republics prepares the ground for philosophical reflection, exemplified by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. It also discusses Vico’s position on popular republics and monarchies, highlighting the decisive importance of the public assembly –especially democratic Athens– in the emergence of juridical universality and philosophical thought.