"Political Lexicon" is a series directed by Carlo Galli that already comprises thirteen titles: Constitution, Representation, Liberty, State, Democracy, Interest, Revolution, Tolerance, Authority, Government, Community, Nation, and Utopia. The series aims to supply a basic encyclopaedia featuring descriptions and the historical evolution of the main concepts underpinning contemporary political discourse. Human nature is a recurring topic in media, to which a great number of newspaper reports, magazine specials, and televisions programmes are devoted. It is implicitly evoked in any politically significant issue. Accounting for how and when the notion emerged has engendered contradictory scientific theories, conflicting political strategies (both religious and secular), and a complex body of legal norms. The central role of human nature in political philosophy has a rich, detailed history: Plato and Aristotle addressed the topic, as did Christian thinkers such as Augustine and Thomas Aquinas; human nature was crucial in the modern era, with the development of geographic and scientific knowledge; it rekindled interest in the 20th century with Gehlen's philosophical anthropology and Foucault's bio-politics. The author describes the entire history of this cultural phenomenon, including highlights from the past and recent theoretical developments.

Alessandro Pandolfi teaches History of Political Doctrines at the University of Urbino.