Croce,Philosophy and Intellectuals: Three Aspects of Gramsci’s Theory of Hegemony

Abstract

There has been a recent revival of interest in Gramsci’s theory of hegemony. Within this revival, some scholars have focused upon the question of the sources of Gramsci’s theory, particularly with reference to linguistic sources; others have focused upon applications of Gramsci’s theory of hegemony, particularly in conjunction with the question of the subaltern. This article seeks to contribute to this revival by nuancing three aspects of Gramsci’s theory of hegemony. Firstly, Croce’s presumed influence over the latter is rejected in favor of a commonality of concerns with a whole generation of Italian intellectuals, not just Croce. Secondly, it is emphasized that philosophy played an important role in Gramsci’s theory of hegemony in that it provided the all-important critiques of common sense and false consciousness. Lastly, it is argued that the intellectuals’ need for a new hegemony was not just organic but included traditional intellectuals in complex new formations.