Antonio Genovesi

Antonio Genovesi (1 November 1713 – 22 September 1769) was an Italian writer, philosopher, and political economist. Born in Castiglione del Genovesi, near Salerno, he initially studied theology and philosophy. After being ordained a priest, he moved to Naples and befriended Giambattista Vico. In 1741, he was appointed to a chair in metaphysics at the University of Naples, later also holding the chair of Ethics. In 1755, he was granted the first chair of Economics in Italy, then called "Commerce and Mechanics." His "Lessons in Commerce" advocated for free-trade policies. Genovesi's thought synthesized idealism and empiricism while preserving Christian values. He believed economics was crucial for increasing national wealth and public happiness. His notable students included Giuseppe Palmieri and Francesco Mario Pagano. Genovesi also championed the use of Italian in academic discourse, breaking from the tradition of using Latin. He died in Naples in 1769.