The aim of the course is to outline the philosophy of modern history in its genesis and development, intersecting the themes of theodicy and secularization.
Making students aware of the basic structures of the modern philosophies of history (linear conception and cyclical conception of time, idea of "fullness", Christian eschatology and idea of progress) through the study of specific monographs and especially through the reading of particularly significant classical texts.
The aim of the course is:
a) to introduce the basic cathegories of every modern philosophy of history by the introduction of some historical monographies
b) to verify by a critical reading the presence of these cathegories in some modern philosophical or religious Ccassical works
c) to make the students able to an autonomus reflection on the monographies and the classics in program.
The lessons will be held in person.
From the Theodicy of History to the Philosophy of History: Theological Presuppositions and Processes of Secularization
The course aims to trace a genealogy of modern philosophy of history, going back to its origins located in the relationship between theodicy and history, as found in Leibniz, Lessing, Voltaire, and later developed in the major philosophies of German idealism. In the second part, the classic work of Karl Löwith, "Meaning and Purpose of History," will be analyzed within the framework of the debate on secularization.
Bibliography for students who are taking the 6-CFU course:
R. Celada Ballanti, Erudizione e teodicea. La concezione della storia di G.W. Leibniz, Liguori, Napoli 2004, limitatamente al capitolo terzo (in caso di difficile reperibilità del testo, il materiale verrà fornito dal docente).
Voltaire, La filosofia della storia, Mimesis, Milano-Udine 2016.
G.W. Lessing, L’educazione del genere umano, Mimesis, Milano-Udine 2018.
K. Löwith, Significato e fine della storia. I presupposti teologici della filosofia della storia, Il Saggiatore, Milano 2015.
Bibliography for students who are taking the 9-CFU course:
R. Celada Ballanti, Erudizione e teodicea. La concezione della storia di G.W. Leibniz, Liguori, Napoli 2004, Limited to the third chapter (in case of difficult availability of the text, the material will be provided by the professor)..
Ricevimento: Student reception is held by appointment (DAFIST, Philosophy Section via Balbi 4, 2nd floor)
ROBERTO CELADA BALLANTI (President)
NICOLO' GERMANO
FRANCESCO CAMERA (Substitute)
GERARDO CUNICO (Substitute)
19 February 2024.
PHILOSOPHY OF HISTORY
Oral exam.
During the oral intewiew the student must demostrate
1) a complete knowledge of all the texst in the recommended reading/biliography
2) an adequate understanding of the same texts
3) the capability to compare one-another the content of theese texts
4) the capability to elaborate some personal convinction about the the content of the course
