Abstract

Coriolano Alberini was an outstanding philosopher of history in Argentina and a major influence on his country's philosophical thought. A keen student of Kant and Herder, a vigorous opponent of positivism, and a strong admirer of Bergson and Ortega y Gasset, Alberini's distinctive feature was an approach to history which stressed action over speculation. His passion was to promote the development of Argentina's national independence and a genuine national culture. The present volume of his writings was compiled and edited posthumously. The titles of the seven essays show Alberini's absorption with the shaping of his national culture and the preponderant influence on it of European ideas. Of special interest are his articles on the idea of progress in Argentine philosophy, and the influence on Argentine culture of French, German, and English thought. The piece on German influence is published in Spanish for the first time in this volume. In English the titles of the essays are as follows: The Metaphysics of Alberdi; German Philosophy in Argentina; French Thought in Argentine Culture; English Philosophic Thought in Argentina; The Idea of Progress in Argentine Philosophy; Philosophy and International Relations; Genesis and Evolution of Argentine Philosophic Thought; Philosophic Culture in Argentina.--H. B.