A short introduction

I am Nicola Polloni and am Associate Professor of Medieval Philosophy at the University of Messina, in Italy. My research expands cross-disciplinarily on medieval hylomorphism and theories of matter. And I have published quite a bit on the first reception of Arabic metaphysics in Europe and the epistemic nuances of medieval hylomorphism.

On a more personal level, I grew up in Tuscany, surrounded by medieval buildings and centuries-long traditions. Although I travelled much during my career, I believe that my Tuscan roots defined much of my passion for how history and ideas shape our lives. My philosophical training refined this vision of a world that is fashioned by complexity and needs to be carefully analysed in all its constitutive aspects.

I strongly believe that commitment and dedication make everything possible. This belief is grounded on my personal experiences and is the result of a growth mindset that I nurture in my students and apply constantly to my work. The lesson that I encourage my students to take from my courses is a simple one: be always open to consider a new perspective, to embrace change and look at things from a completely different point of view. This is the key to intellectual and professional growth.

Find out more about my work and research

You can browse through the following sections to find valuable information and downloadable content about my current and past works. Each section is dedicated to a fundamental aspect of my academic career, from the projects I have carried out to my publications and teaching activities. Click on the thumbnails below to find out more about all this.