Abiti e costumi tra imitazione e trasformazione

Habits and customs between imitation and transformation. This article ex-plores the philosophical evolution of the concepts of “habit” and “custom”, analyzing their transition from a traditional dichotomy to a modern synthesis. By examining key thinkers such as Aristotle, Montaigne, Hume, and Dewey, this contribution investigates the tension between individual behavioral sta-bility and social transformation. The analysis highlights how imitation and social reproduction often hinder change, creating a “vicious circle of habit”. Finally, drawing on pragmatist perspectives, the paper proposes that human plasticity – particularly in younger generations – serves as a primary catalyst for overcoming social inertia and fostering democratic innovation within col-lective customs.