La gratitudine pubblica nella Scienza della legislazione di Gaetano Filangieri

The essay analyses La scienza della legislazione by Gaetano Filangieri through the political-interpretative category of political gratitude. Specifically, it observes how, by examining the English mixed government, Filangieri denounces the excessive munificence of the king, whose ability to bestow offices and benefits creates a power dynamic based on gratitude that corrupts members of parliament. Proposing the hypothesis of Machiavelli's influence on Filangieri's thought, the essay reconstructs how Filangieri does not condemn ambition but instead suggests channelling it for the benefit of the homeland. He proposes that the legislative assembly should grant “documents of gratitude” as tokens of recognition for virtuous citizens.

According to Filangieri, public gratitude, expressed visibly, would have the power to promote civic and patriotic virtues, counteracting corruption and ensuring citizens’ freedom.

In conclusion, the essay argues that the concept of public gratitude is a key element of Filangieri’s republicanism, offering an original approach to safeguarding individual liberty within a political system grounded in the common good.