OVERVIEW

This course aims to provide participants with a conceptual toolbox to engage with debates on individual and collective emancipation. It will examine the anthropological views and definitions of emancipation as presented by Karl Marx and John Stuart Mill in order to identify the philosophical foundations of ongoing disputes in normative and critical political theory. The course will thus equip students with the vocabulary and conceptual tools needed to navigate both public and scholarly debates on the human condition, emancipation, and the meaning of societal relationship.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Introducing and critically analyzing the fundamental themes of the discipline - relating to personal identity, free will, responsibility and action - through the typical methods of philosophical reflection. Providing the tools to understand and interpret classical and contemporary texts related to the above themes.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The specific objectives of the course encompass:

• Introducing the main philosophical theories about friendship;
• Presenting and discussing the main open questions about friendship relationships;
• Analyzing the anthropological, moral, and epistemic implications of these discussions. 

The main expected learning outcomes encompass:

• Acquiring knowledge of the main views and discussions on the topics under consideration;
• Developing the appropriate conceptual, terminological, and methodological tools of (analytic) philosophical discussion;
• Learning how to critically analyze specialistic philosophical essays and developing argumentation and collective discussion skills.
• Acquiring a greater ability to manage one's social interactions with a collaborative attitude, constructive communication, and dialogical skills.
• Demonstrating work autonomy, ability to handle primary literature, argumentative ability and collaborative attitude, coordination and negotiation.
• Acquiring the ability to learn how to learn 
• Acquiring the ability to write essays and create projects 

TEACHING METHODS

The course will alternate between lectures delivered by the instructor, seminar-style sessions involving critical discussion of texts and concepts, and in-class presentations by students. 

Students are required to register on Aulaweb, where useful materials for the course will be uploaded.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

By engaging in a conceptual reading of the key philosophical themes, the course sets out to analyse and compare the anthropological perspectives and conceptions of emancipation developed by Karl Marx and John Stuart Mill. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography (6 cfu):

1) One volume among the following:

• K. Marx, Manoscritti economico-filosofici del 1844, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2018.
• J.S. Mill, Saggio sulla libertà, Milano, Il Saggiatore, 2023.

2) One presentation in class on a relevant topic (which has to be selected together with the lecturer)

3) One short paper (2500-3000) on a relevant topic (which has to be selected together with the lecturer)

Bibliography (9 cfu):

1) K. Marx, Manoscritti economico-filosofici del 1844, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2018.

2) J.S. Mill, Saggio sulla libertà, Milano, Il Saggiatore, 2023.

3) A presentation in class on a relevant topic (which has to be agreed upon with the lecturer)

4) A term paper (2500) on a relevant topic (which has to be agreed upon with the lecturer)

Students who do not attend the course (“non frequentanti”):

6 cfu:

1) K. Marx, Manoscritti economico-filosofici del 1844, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2018.

2) J.S. Mill, Saggio sulla libertà, Milano, Il Saggiatore, 2023.

9 cfu:

1) K. Marx e F. Engels, L’ideologia tedesca, Editori Riuniti, Roma, 2018.

2) K. Marx, Manoscritti economico-filosofici del 1844, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2018.

3) J.S. Mill, Saggio sulla libertà, Milano, Il Saggiatore, 2023.

4) J.S. Mill e H. Taylor, Sull’eguaglianza e l’emancipazione femminile, Torino Einaudi, 2008.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Week of the 15th of February 2027. 

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Students who attend the course (“frequentanti”): in-class presentation, written essay evaluation, and oral exam

The essay must be sent to the lecturer at least two weeks before the oral exam date. Students must enroll in the exam session at least one week before the exam date.

Students who do not attend the course (“non frequentanti”): oral exam 

Students must enroll in the exam session at least one week before the exam date.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Students who attend the course (frequentanti): 

• in-class presentation (5 points out of 30): understanding of the topic presented, argumentative ability, and clarity of exposition
• evaluation of the essay (10 points out of 30): understanding of the topic presented, argumentative ability, and clarity of exposition 
• oral examination (15 points out of 30): understanding of the topics covered in the program and the ability to critically analyze the philosophical positions under discussion 

Students who do not attend the course (non frequentanti): 

• oral examination (30 points out of 30): understanding of the topics covered in the program and the ability to critically analyze the philosophical positions under discussion