Quale anima per quale Europa. Il pensiero nascosto di Werner Sombart

Abstract

The soul of Europe has to be considered in unity. Without this idea of unity, Europe (by definition) would not exist. But where does this unity of Europe lie? This unity might lie in the concept of civility, or in geographical, ethnic, political, religious and economic reasons. This present essay suggests that European unity ought to be sought in its culture. It derives its reflections from Werner Sombart one of the great classical thinkers of Sociology. There are cultural traits that have historically forged one “dominant spirit” or rather a “European cultural soul”. It remains to be seen however if these traits still remain and if they are still valid today. If Europe at this point in time can be recognized in this identikit or if indeed the underlying cross-cultural traits have changed over time. The essay also deals with traits that are in vogue these days and also the principles that govern the organization of experience..