OVERVIEW

The course introduces and critically discusses the main issues at the intersection of contemporary moral philosophy and theory of action, and aims at providing students with an overview of the key views and open debates in this area.

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 theories and definitions of the concepts under analysis;
• Presenting and discussing the main open discussions on the issues involved;
• Analyzing the philosophical and extra-philosophical 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 traditional lectures and in-class presentations given by attending students. 

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

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

In the first part of the course, the topic of free will and its link with moral responsibility are introduced and analyzed. The second part of the course is devoted to analyzing such topics as excuses, theories of blame, theories of collective responsibility, the epistemic conditions of responsible action, the relationship between responsibility and moral luck.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography (6 cfu):

1) One volume among the following:

• Anscombe, E. (2000), Intention, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2000.
• Bagnoli, C. (2019), Teoria della responsabilità, Bologna, Il Mulino.
• Dennett, D., Caruso, G. (2022), A ognuno quel che si merita. Sul libero arbitrio, Milano, Raffaello Cortina.
• Santoni De Sio, F. (2013), Per colpa di chi. Mente, responsabilità e diritto. Milano, Raffaello Cortina.

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) Two volumes among the following:

• Anscombe, E. (2000), Intention, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2000.
• Bagnoli, C. (2019), Teoria della responsabilità, Bologna, Il Mulino.
• Dennett, D., Caruso, G. (2022), A ognuno quel che si merita. Sul libero arbitrio, Milano, Raffaello Cortina.
• Santoni De Sio, F. (2013), Per colpa di chi. Mente, responsabilità e diritto. Milano, Raffaello Cortina.

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)

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

Should meet requirements 1) and 3). Presentations in class will be replaced with a further volume (or collection of papers) to be selected together with the lecturer.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MICHEL CROCE (President)

MARIA SILVIA VACCAREZZA

CORRADO FUMAGALLI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 19, 2024

Class schedule

PHILOSOPHICAL ANTHROPOLOGY

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”): 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.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Students who attend the course (frequentanti): 

• in-class presentation (10 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 (10 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): 

• evaluation of the essay (15 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 

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Those who do not attend the course (“non frequentanti”) are required to inform the lecturer.