Angello Dalle Molle

Angelo Dalle Molle’s philosophy is undoubtedly rooted in the Italian Renaissance (Rinascimento), with whom he shares an essential vision: the primacy of man, his development and happiness. Dalle Molle was also a proponent of interdisciplinarity, believing that the pursuit of knowledge should not be confined to a single domain.

Jean Pic de la Mirandole, an eminent Italian humanist who lived between 1463 and 1494, is widely celebrated for his contributions to Renaissance philosophy and humanism. His works reflect a profound belief in the potential and dignity of human beings, advocating for the primacy of man and the importance of interdisciplinary learning. In one of his most famous quotations, Pic de la Mirandole asserts the unique position of human beings in the universe:

«By making you a being that is neither celestial nor earthly, neither mortal nor immortal, I wanted to give you the power to form you and defeat yourself; you can descend to the level of the beast and you can rise to become a divine being.»

Jean Pic de la Mirandole, Italian humanist, 1463-1494

This quote encapsulates the essence of humanism, emphasizing the power of self-determination and the capacity for self-improvement. It reflects the Renaissance ideal that humans are endowed with the freedom to shape their own destiny and to reach their fullest potential.

Angelo Dalle Molle’s philosophy is undoubtedly rooted in the Italian Renaissance (Rinascimento), with whom he shares an essential vision: the primacy of man, his development and happiness. Dalle Molle was also a proponent of interdisciplinarity, believing that the pursuit of knowledge should not be confined to a single domain. He argued that to truly understand the world and oneself, one must engage with multiple disciplines, from philosophy and theology to sciences and arts.

The Research Institutes initiated by the Dalle Molle Foundation are in keeping with the spirit of Dalle Molle, focusing on society and human beings as they are, in their individuality, diversity and desire to build themselves. In that spirit, well-being of society must be the “measure” of science. Science must not enslave human beings or society, but on the contrary liberate them in the broad sense, by freeing them from tedious tasks, facilitating communication, mobility, and improving the quality life in general. Such a focus on people implies an interdisciplinary approach from the outset.

Beginnings of Computer Sciences, fundamental achievements in Quality of Life, Dalle Molles Foundation, and its 4 internationally renowned research institutes.

Angello Dalle Molle

Angelo Dalle Molle was born on November 4, 1908 in Venice. A great Italian industrialist, a man curious about everything around him and concerned about the well-being of his fellow men, a philanthropist and philosopher, he was attentive to the problems of his time. A convinced humanist, he asserted that the progress of science in general, and that of the new information technology in particular, should not enslave man but should be at his service.

Inspired by the beginnings of computer science, he has been supporting research in this field since the 1970s. He saw it as an instrument that could offer humanity a considerable improvement in the quality of life. Through the Dalle Molle Foundation for the quality of life he created four research institutes, all based in Switzerland.

The name of Angelo Dalle Molle, who died in 2002, is still associated with fundamental achievements in improving the quality of life.

The Dalle Molle Foundation

The Dalle Molle Foundation, established by Angelo Dalle Molle, embodies his vision of integrating humanism with scientific progress. The foundation supports research institutes dedicated to enhancing human well-being through advancements in science and technology. These institutes focus on improving communication, mobility, and environmental quality, ensuring that technological progress serves to liberate humans rather than subordinate them. Inspired by the beginnings of computer science, he has been supporting research in this field since the 1970s. He saw it as an instrument that could offer humanity a considerable improvement in the quality of life. Through the Dalle Molle Foundation for the quality of life he created four research institutes, all based in Switzerland.

For more information, go to “The Foundation”

Four Internationally Renowned Research Institutes

The first research institute initiated by the Dalle Molle Foundation in 1972 was ISSCO , “Istituto Dalle Molle di Studi Semantici et Cognitivi”, initiatlly located in Lugano, but moved to Geneva in 1976 to benefit from a university environment. It was followed, in 1987, by IDSIA, “Istituto Dalle Molle di Studi sull’Intelligenza Artificiale” in Lugano and, in 1991, by the “Institut Dalle Molle d’intelligence artificielle perceptive”, Idiap, located in Martigny (VS). All three institutes form a coherent triad in the field of artificial intelligence and man-machine interaction.

The fourth institute, MEDIPLANT, was founded in 1988 in Conthey (VS) with the mission to propose crops meeting economic laws while respecting ecological needs.

All these institutes have been, and remain, pioneers in their respective fields. Today, some of these institutes have changed their place of residence, others have changed their identity, but all have been able to develop alliances with the academic world while maintaining their independence and dynamism.

For more information, go to “The Dalle Molle Institutes”