In this article I reconstruct, discuss, and develop both the understanding of scientific practice and philosophy set forth by Pierpaolo Cesaroni in his book, La vita dei concetti. Hegel, Bachelard, Canguilhem. As regards the understanding of science, I focus on the investigation of the distinction between activity subjected to norms and activity elaborating norms. I also consider a number of connected issues, including the one relating to that particular form of necessity implied in the elaboration of a scientific concept. As to the understanding of philosophy, I distinguish the several intellectual performances which can be deemed as philosophical. The closing annex is devoted to the Althusserian conception of an authentic science of politics.
