OVERVIEW

The course involves the analysis—preceded by a comprehensive historical and philosophical introduction—of one or more significant ancient Greek or Latin texts, with exegetical and thematic commentary, focusing on their importance in the history of ancient philosophical and scientific thought.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching of History of Ancient Thought aims to acquire knowledge of a specialist theme in the history of philosophy and Greek and Latin culture, which is explored in depth through the reading of one or more ancient texts, introduced and commented on. The objective of the course is also the acquisition of a scientific research method starting from the texts themselves, interrogated from the point of view of the lexicon, the argumentative structures and the historical-cultural context from which they originate, with essential references to selected secondary literature .

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge and Understanding
The course aims to deepen students’ understanding of a significant moment or theme in the history of ancient thought through the reading of selected works, which will be appropriately introduced, interpreted, and critically discussed. A thorough historical and philosophical contextualization of the texts will enable students to enhance their knowledge and broaden their grasp of the development of philosophy and scientific thought in the Greco-Roman world.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Students will have the opportunity to acquire a rigorous method for studying the history of ancient thought, with essential guidance on research tools—especially those related to digital lexica and bibliographic databases. Through these resources, and by learning a scientifically grounded research methodology, students will be able to formulate independent reflections supported by strong textual evidence and engage with various theoretical perspectives across ancient philosophical traditions..

Independent Judgment
By acquiring a scientific research method and applying tools for textual analysis and interpretation, students will be able to enhance their critical thinking and develop greater autonomy of judgment. This will also enable them to identify and select relevant textual sources in relation to specific research topics and lines of inquiry.

Communication Skills
Mastery of a solid, research-based method for reconstructing ancient philosophical debates will strengthen students' ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. This includes the ability to present the results of their research and original reflections—both in writing and through digital platforms—in a clear, well-structured, and nuanced manner.

Learning Skills
By acquiring the research tools and scientific methods outlined above, students will be equipped to understand and interpret complex texts, particularly in relation to their specific argumentative strategies.

Advanced-level functional literacy competence
The acquisition of this competence will enable the refinement of argumentative skills, critical awareness, and independent judgment through the learning and application of appropriate and advanced scientific methodologies. This will make it possible to communicate effectively both in writing and orally, adapt communication to the context, utilize a variety of sources and tools, process and evaluate information, and further develop one’s argumentative abilities.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of Greek and Latin thought from the 7th century BC to the 6th century AD. Familiarity with the Greek alphabet. Proficiency in the philosophical vocabulary of Greek and Roman antiquity. The ability to express oneself clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, using precise language and strong argumentative skills when discussing key moments and themes in Greek and Latin philosophy, science, and culture.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures will be delivered in a traditional, in-person format. Although attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. Students who regularly attend classes in person will be considered attending students. Those who are unable to attend are invited to contact the lecturer by email in order to arrange an alternative program specifically designed for non-attending students.

With regard to the development of advanced literacy skills, each lecture will include guided discussion and debate on topics closely related to the material covered. In addition, selected passages of particular significance for Plato’s ontological and linguistic reflection will be read in translation, analysed, and commented upon. This approach will also introduce elements of problem-based learning, encouraging active engagement and critical thinking.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course will focus on Plato’s Sophist and the ontological conception that emerges from it. Particular attention will be devoted to the relationship between reality and language, in light of the reflection on the nature of logos that Plato develops in the dialogue. In this way, the close connection he establishes between the structure of discourse and the understanding of the nature of reality will be brought into clear focus.

The course will also examine the arguments through which Plato seeks to move beyond Parmenides’ radical ontological monism, arriving at a more articulated and dynamic conception of being. In this context, special attention will be paid to the well-known identification of the five supreme kinds—being, rest, motion, sameness, and difference—considered in their mutual interrelations.

On the basis of this analysis, Plato aims to demonstrate the reality of false discourse and the relative nature of non-being, understood as otherness or difference. From this perspective, the course will also seek to highlight the fundamental relationship that Plato establishes between logos and philosophy.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Course texts:

– Platone, Sofista, edited by B. Centrone, Einaudi 2008.

or:

– Platone, Sofista, edited by F. Fronterotta, BUR 2007.

— M. Abbate, Parmenide e i Neoplatonici. Dall'Essere all'Uno e al di là dell'Uno, Edizioni dell'Orso 2010, chapters I–V.

Recommended reading:

– F. Ferrari, Introduzione a Platone, il Mulino, Bologna 2018.

Further bibliographical references will be provided during the lectures.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Second Semester

https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/8465/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral examination consisting of questions on topics covered during the lectures.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Students are expected to show their preparation by answering questions on each part of the course programme.

Particular importance will be given to the student's skill in formulating personal considerations and connections supported by reference to the texts examined.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, students are invited to contact Prof. Abbate by email.