Sean Calvert
- MISt (McGill University, 2020)
- BA (University of Nebraska at Omaha, 2017)
Topic
Julius Evola and Mytho-Reactionary Politics in 20th Century Italy
Department of History
Date & location
- Wednesday, March 26, 2025
- 2:00 P.M.
- Clearihue Building, Room B021
Examining Committee
Supervisory Committee
- Dr. Perry Biddiscombe, Department of History, ßÉßɱ¬ÁÏ (Supervisor)
- Dr. Kristin Semmens, Department of History, UVic (Member)
External Examiner
- Dr. Steven Taubeneck, Department of Philosophy, University of British Columbia
Chair of Oral Examination
- Dr. Thomas Land, Department of Philosophy, UVic
Abstract
Italian esotericist Julius Evola (1898-1974) developed a philosophy centered on the Primordial Tradition, from which he derived a significant social and political philosophy that firmly rejected modernity, liberalism, egalitarianism, democracy, Marxism, and progress. The formation of his philosophy coincided with the rise of Fascism and National Socialism, which he unsuccessfully attempted to steer in a Traditionalist direction. His impact extended into the post-war period with Italian neofascists, who aimed to integrate aspects of Evola’s philosophy into their own. Evola’s connections with fascists, neofascists, and other far-right groups, both historically and currently, often categorize him within the fascist camp. However, a closer examination of his philosophy reveals that it is distinct and aligns with the lesser-known paradigm of political reaction, albeit as a unique strand: mytho-reaction.