Gioberti, Vicenzo (1801-1852)

Italian philosopher, publicist, and statesman whose political ideal was a confederated Italy, with the pope at the head and the king of Sardinia as military guardian.

Gioberti was born at Turin. He was educated for the priesthood, and became professor of theology at Turin University. In 1833 he was imprisoned, having been accused of promoting the Liberal movement. He then went to Paris and Brussels. During this time he wrote many philosophic works, formulating his theory of Platonic Idealism tinged with pantheism. His chief works are Il Gesuito moderno, an attack on Jesuit influence, Del primato morale e civile, identifying religion with civilization, and Del rinnovamento civile d'Italia.

In 1847 Gioberti returned to Italy, and became premier of Sardinia, but was again exiled after the failure of the risings in 1848.