Metafisica e gnoseologismo: Bontadini interprete di Kant

The article analyses Gustavo Bontadini’s interpretation of modern philosophy, particularly with reference to Immanuel Kant’s critical proposal. Influenced especially by actualism and the Milano School of Amato Masnovo and Francesco Olgiati, Bontadini argues for the priority of metaphysics over gnoseology, pointing out the limitations of modern thought based on representations of reality rather than reality itself directly given to thought. His critique focuses particularly on the aesthetics and analytics of the Critique of Pure Reason, and he believes that Kant represents a breaking point with the classical metaphysical tradition, culminating in a «deflagration» of gnoseologism. Bontadini sees Kant as the culminating point of a deviation from metaphysical realism that runs throughout modernity, although he recognizes the historical importance and transformative potential of Kantian philosophy. Bontadini’s perspective contrasts with that of other philosophers, contemporary with Kant, who appreciate his innovation and influence on modern thought, and it differs from the positive historical assessment that has also been given in subsequent centuries.