معرفی
Furio Ferraresi is Associate Professor of History of Political Doctrines (SPS/02) at the Department of Economic and Political Sciences, University of Valle d'Aosta. He has held this position since July 6, 2020. Previously, he served as a contract professor at the same institution from 2015 to 2020, and has held various research and teaching positions at the University of Bologna, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, and University of Parma. He currently serves as faculty representative in the Academic Senate, member of the Teaching Commission, and member of the SUA-CDS Commission for the Political Science and International Relations program.
Ferraresi earned his Doctor of Philosophy in History of Political Thought and Political Institutions from the University of Turin in 1995, with a thesis titled 'The Concept of 'Community' in Max Weber.' He previously obtained his Laurea in Philosophy from the University of Bologna in 1991 with highest honors (110 e Lode). His academic journey began with a Classical High School Diploma (Maturità classica) in 1984.
Ferraresi specializes in the history of modern and contemporary political thought, with particular focus on the relationship between social sciences and political theory. His research spans classical German sociology (especially Tönnies and Weber), early modern political thought (Hobbes and Spinoza), contemporary political theory (Mosca and Schmitt), English liberalism (particularly Lord Acton), and key political concepts such as community, liberty, tyranny, and democracy. In recent years, he has concentrated on Michel Foucault's thought, especially the relationship between Foucault and Weber. His work demonstrates a consistent interest in how political concepts evolve and transform across historical periods.
His scholarly output reveals a deep engagement with major figures in political thought, particularly Weber, whose work serves as a central reference point throughout Ferraresi's career. The publications show a progression from focused studies on Weber's concept of community to broader explorations of political concepts and their historical transformations. His work increasingly connects historical political thought with contemporary debates, particularly regarding globalization, democracy, and political community in the modern world. He has also made significant contributions through translations and critical editions of important political texts.
- Full member of the Italian Association of Historians of Political Doctrines (AISDP) since 1998
- First prize ex-aequo for a paper on 'Bourgeois Interpretations of Hobbes in Italy and Germany' from the Academy of Italo-German Studies in Merano
- Member of the editorial board of 'Filosofia politica' since 1996
- Member of the editorial board of 'Scienza & Politica' since 2019
- Member of the direction of the 'I classici del pensiero politico' book series at Carocci (2002-2004)
Ferraresi has participated in numerous research projects including PRIN Area 14 projects, projects funded by the University of Valle d'Aosta (PRA), and research projects funded by the Italian Council of Ministers. He has served as scientific director for conference series including 'Friday Migrants' and the national conference 'Borders in the Global Age: History, Law, and Politics.' His institutional roles include membership on various academic committees where he contributes to curriculum development and academic governance.
As a researcher, Ferraresi has been affiliated with the Interuniversity Research Center on European Legal and Political Lexicon (CIRLGPE) since 2000 and previously worked at the 'Centro Studi Progetto Europeo' from 2006 to 2012. He has organized and participated in numerous academic conferences and seminars, demonstrating active engagement with the scholarly community both nationally and internationally.
