OVERVIEW

The course will focus (at advanced level) on some of the main topics in theoretical philosophy, with particular reference to classic authors of modern thought and to the most relevant contemporary philosophers.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will further analyze some classic and contemporary theoretic themes in philosophy; they will learn to master the methods and tools needed to approach such problems; they will learn to discuss classic texts through a seminar method.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, students will be able: to master the specific terminology of the subject; to treat and discuss in depth its distinctive contents and problems; to establish appropriate links between different contents; to interpret and contextualize the examined texts from a historical-theoretical point of view; to use the main concepts and arguments in a critical and personal way.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, reading and analyzing texts, guided discussion, problem solving. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Contents for students who are taking the 6-CFU course 

Emotional life and knowledge

Emotional life can be understood in relation to the complex intertwining of necessity and freedom in human existence. The distinctive cognitive and ethical value of emotions has been highlighted from several points of view. Against this backdrop, lectures  will zoom in on Descartes’ analysis of passions and their role within the body/soul dualism. The second part of the course will examine some sections of Max Scheler’s work Formalism in Ethics and Non-Formal Ethics of Values. We will analyze the issue of the emotional life in relation to the problems of knowledge, perception of values, personal identity, and existence of an objective ‘logic of the heart’. 

Contents for students who are taking the 9-CFU course

Emotional life and knowledge

Emotional life can be understood in relation to the complex intertwining of necessity and freedom in human existence. The distinctive cognitive and ethical value of emotions has been highlighted from several points of view. Against this backdrop, lectures  will zoom in on Descartes’ analysis of passions and their role within the body/soul dualism. The second part of the course will examine some sections of Max Scheler’s work Formalism in Ethics and Non-Formal Ethics of Values. We will analyze the issue of the emotional life in relation to the problems of knowledge, perception of values, personal identity, and existence of an objective ‘logic of the heart’. 

Finally, the last lectures will consider the contribution of Martha Nussbaum and her work on the connection between emotions and particular forms of intelligence and practical rationality. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The reading list for this course is available on the Italian version of the web page.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

EDOARDO SIMONOTTI (President)

FRANCESCO CAMERA

ROBERTO CELADA BALLANTI (Substitute)

ELISABETTA COLAGROSSI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

22 February, 2024

Class schedule

PHILOSOPHICAL THEORESIS (LM)

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Attending students: oral exam concerning the contents of the lessons and texts in the bibliography.

Non-attending students: oral exam concerning the contents of the texts in the bibliography.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The expected learning outcomes will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• the mastery of the contents and specific terminology of the subject, in relation to the indicated program (acquired knowledge)

• the ability to understand and explain the fundamental concepts and topics of the subject, establishing appropriate connections; especially in relation to the texts indicated in the reading list and discussed throughout the semester (used abilities)

• the ability to use (in a critical and personal way) the fundamental concepts and topics of the subject, demonstrating interpretative and methodological skills corresponding to the general objectives of the degree course; these skills will also be assessed with reference to students’ active participation in classroom discussions (learned skills).

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance is recommended.