| Author | Francesco Filelfo |
|---|---|
| Original title | Commentationes Florentinae de exilo |
| Language | Latin |
| Series | None |
| Subject | Political philosophy |
Publication date | 1440 |
| Publication place | Italy |
Published in English | 2013 |
| Media type |
On Exile (Latin: Commentationes Florentinae de exilo) is a 1440 work of political philosophy by Francesco Filelfo. The overarching purpose of Filelfo's dialogue is to examine the problem of exile and assess how to cope with a demonized and defamed public image.
On Exile depicts a prominent group of Florentine noblemen and humanists, driven from their city by Cosimo de' Medici, discussing the sufferings imposed by exile such as poverty and loss of reputation, and the best way to endure and even profit from them. Filelfo's work depicts a major shift in Florentine political life, a shift whereupon the Medici family seized control of the government from the aristocrats and oligarchs who had governed the Republic of Florence for two centuries.[1]
On Exile is composed of three Books interspersed by brief comic interludes. The dialogue itself is set in Florence, prior to the departure of exiled aristocrats Palla Strozzi and Rinaldo degli Albizzi. The continuous efforts by Palla, Manetti, and Leonardo to establish the true nature of the happy life and the discount the vulgar notions advanced by Poggio Bracciolini lead to a significant discussion regarding the significance of pleasure and the philosophy of Epicurus.[2]