Abstract

In 2022, the centenary of Cornelius Castoriadis’ birth proved to be a pivotal year for his reception in Italy, marked by the publication of three volumes of largely unpublished material. Our contribution initially investigates the delay in Castoriadis’ reception in Italy, focusing on the intricate history of the original publication of his writings between the 1950s and 1970s. Subsequently, the article delves into the uniqueness of Castoriadis’ contributions, with a particular emphasis on his most influential work, The imaginary institution of society (1975), in order to elucidate both its historical significance and enduring relevance in highlighting the intricate relationship between the imaginary and political praxis.