PRIMO LEVI E LA QUESTIONE DELL’ANIMALITÀ

Abstract

The approach of man and animal in Levi’s work can lead to some simplifications. We could think of a naturalization operation: man is one of many animals. Or, on the contrary, we could think of a culturalization: the animal is a social being. In reality, the ontological principle on which Levi’s thinking and writing are based is that of analogy. Assuming the hypothesis of the anthropologist Philippe Descola, this essay proposes an analogical reading of Levi. Focusing on a precise story, Censura in Bitinia, I will try to discuss this interpretative hypothesis.