The Filangieri-Franklin Correspondence: the Lexicon and Style of a Transatlantic Discourse

This presentation examines the Filangieri-Franklin Correspondence, focusing on the unique lexicon and stylistic elements that characterize this transatlantic discourse. Through a detailed analysis of their letters, we uncover how Gaetano Filangieri and Benjamin Franklin utilized language to convey complex ideas on governance, justice, and enlightenment philosophy. The correspondence not only bridged geographical divides but also cultural and intellectual ones, highlighting the role of articulate expression in shaping cross-cultural understanding. By exploring the nuances of their communication, this talk sheds light on the broader implications of their exchange for the development of democratic ideals and for the integration of European states on the model of the US federal union.