Theoia, Poiesis and Praxis in the political philosophy of Vico and Arendt

This paper aims at analysing whether Arendt's interpretation regarding the possibility that Vico would apply the universal principles of his Scienza Nuova to the civil world is feasible. The article attempts to show the plausibility of the following theses: a) there is some similarity between the "practical" finality characteristic of Vico's poetry and Arendt's category of narrativity; b) there is a remarkable difference in the way these two authors regard the possibility of intervening in the civil world. Vico argues that prudence based on common sense can avoid the collapse of nations; Arendt suggests that reflective judgement and thinking are the best means to avoid political disaster.