Vico in prefaces:

some considerations

Abstract

This writing attempts an approach to the function of the preface in Giambattista Vico's philosophy and also investigates the peritexts in some of the scholars who dedicated themselves to his work in the 19th and 20th centuries. The aim of this analysis is to indicate some moments of the argument that reveal the authors' attitude towards the broader context in which the work is situated. Our hypothesis is that the prefaces in question not only seek to build better conditions for the reception of Vico's philosophy, but also seek to defend it from the lack of interest suffered by his peers. In addition, it is clear that Vico’s work has characteristics that the prefaces could not overcome, such as the difficulty of his writing and the breadth of the themes he reflects on. Finally, it is concluded that in the cases cited here, the prefaces occupy not only an editorial function but also a pedagogical, rhetorical and philosophical.