Abstract · This article offers an interpretation of Momus by Leon Battista Alberti as an ironic reflection on the nature and pretensions of philosophy. It does so by analysing the significance of the parallels between philosophers and animals in the story, and especially of a number of role exchanges in which animals take the place of philosophers, or vice versa. Alberti employs these exchanges programmatically in order to diagnose the shortcomings of philosophy, especially its autoreferentiality, and its tendency to favour authority over sound arguments. Yet, this paper suggests that Alberti does not dismiss philosophy as such, but that his ironic treatment of the philosophers’ faults prompts a necessary transition from philosophical theory to an improved philosophical practice. Keywords · Leon Battista Alberti, Momus, Philosophers, Animals, Persona.
The Philosopher in the Cage: Philosophy and Animality in Leon Battista Alberti
Muratori, Cecilia
2025-01-01
Abstract
Abstract · This article offers an interpretation of Momus by Leon Battista Alberti as an ironic reflection on the nature and pretensions of philosophy. It does so by analysing the significance of the parallels between philosophers and animals in the story, and especially of a number of role exchanges in which animals take the place of philosophers, or vice versa. Alberti employs these exchanges programmatically in order to diagnose the shortcomings of philosophy, especially its autoreferentiality, and its tendency to favour authority over sound arguments. Yet, this paper suggests that Alberti does not dismiss philosophy as such, but that his ironic treatment of the philosophers’ faults prompts a necessary transition from philosophical theory to an improved philosophical practice. Keywords · Leon Battista Alberti, Momus, Philosophers, Animals, Persona.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
