Who we are

Our Society

The Gaetano Filangieri Philosophical Society of America preserves and promotes the legacy of Gaetano Filangieri (1753–1788), the Neapolitan philosopher and author of The Science of Legislation. We bring his ideas to scholars and the wider public, exploring their place in the Enlightenment and their connections to the American founding.

Our work focuses on:

  • Historical Preservation: Making Filangieri’s writings and correspondence accessible through digitization and translation.
  • Scholarly Research: Supporting publications on his thought, historical context, and legacy.
  • Public Engagement: Bringing his ideas into conversations about law, liberty, and government.
  • Cultural Exchange: Exploring the intellectual ties between Italy and America.

A Message from our President Lawrence Auriana

Our Mission

We believe that the principles articulated by Filangieri—freedom of the press, religious tolerance, economic liberty, and the necessity of a structured, equitable legal system—are not merely historical artifacts but are the living foundations of a free society. Our mission is to illuminate the Italian intellectual heritage woven into the fabric of the American founding, and to deepen public awareness of the transatlantic dialogue of ideas that gave shape to the modern Western world.

We invite you to join us in exploring the thought of a man whom Benjamin Franklin praised as the author of an “invaluable work on legislation,” and whom Napoleon called the “Teacher of Us All.” Together, we perpetuate the values enshrined in our Constitution and the timeless pursuit of public happiness.

His multi-volume masterpiece sought to reform legislation to “perfect the work of human happiness”. He envisioned a society where education was public, trade was free, and justice was accessible to every citizen regardless of their birthright.

This profound connection highlights that the American experiment was never an isolated endeavor; it was a collaborative, global effort fueled by the brightest minds of the age. By highlighting this partnership, our society emphasizes the shared values that link the Italian and American spirits in the pursuit of liberty.