Philosophy of religion developed within Modern-Age thought between the 17th and the 18th centuries, as a reaction to the religious wars in Europe. It acquired the status of academic teaching in the Age of Enlightenment and German Idealism. Nevertheless, its object (a reflection on religion that moves from speculative assumptions) was already studied by Greek philosophy, which developed a rational criticism (based on logos) and applied it to mythical discourse since the Age of Pre-Socratic philosophers.
Students will learn to define, through a phenomenological and transcendental method, the peculiar nature and structure of the religious experience, independent and different from other domains of the spirit (ethic, aesthetic, metaphysic domain). Students will learn to explain how the independent status of religion is the result of a long, analytical work, and the result of a speculative process which started at the beginning of Modern Age; the outcome of this process is philosophy of religion becoming a unique field of knowledge.
Developing critical thinking towards the religious experience, moving from speculative assumptions, and showing its universal, ecumenic nature.
The lectures will hopefully be held in person, with the possibility for students to follow them remotely via the Teams platform (code xgk3owg).
Contents for students who are taking the 6-CFU course
Unde malum? Metaphysics and theodicy in Leibniz
The lessons will focus on the problem of theodicy, that is the problematic knot that binds evil and God, in the history of philosophy, fixing its historical-theoretical coordinates and referring in particular to Leibniz's thought.
Contents for students who are taking the 9-CFU course
Part I: Unde malum? Metaphysics and theodicy in Leibniz
Part II: The crisis of theodicy in Voltaire
The second module deals with the theme of the crisis of eighteenth-century theodicy, taking Voltaire as a paradigmatic point of reference.
The reading list for this course, together with the lecturer's suggestions and instructions are available on the Italian version of the web page.
Ricevimento: Thursday 2-3 PM (DAFIST, Philosophy Section via Balbi 4, 2nd floor)
ROBERTO CELADA BALLANTI (President)
FRANCESCO CAMERA
GERARDO CUNICO (Substitute)
September 28, 2021
PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
Oral exam
The exam will take place in oral form, through a dialogue aimed at verify the contents discussed during the course. The expositive ability and the critical reasoning of the student will also be ascertained.
Attendance is reccomended
