I fondamenti biblici dell'etica in Tolstoj

Abstract

Biblical Foundation of Tolstoy's Ethics

This paper points out the connection between the ethical fundamentals in Tolstoyan thought and the exegetical choices with reference to the Bible he made while developing his philosophy. In particular, this work tries to verify the manner in which he founded his ethics on the Bible and how the biblical text is at the base of his moral general lines. It proceeds by identifying and showing the hermeneutical choices which led Tolstoy to declare fundamental ethical criteria for the renovation of the social background. The biblical text, interpreted according to these hermeneutical choices, leads to the formulation of quite defi nite behavioural rules. The latter appear eventually to have their foundation in the biblical text.