OVERVIEW

The course is designed for the students on their first year of the first cycle degree program in Philosophy; it is aimed at introducing the main theoretical problems in philosophy. The course will address ontological and epistemological themes, using basic philosophical terminology (Being vs. beings, becoming, science, belief, opinion).

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Introduction to the main philosophical problems in the theoretical field. Through the illustration of the recurring concepts of the philosophical lexicon and reading of classical texts, the aim is to provide the basic knowledge to approach the first-level study of the main themes of philosophical thought (the problem of being, of knowing, of becoming, of the meaning of existence).

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

 By the end of the course, students will be able: to master the specific terminology of the subject (basic vocabulary); 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.

PREREQUISITES

The course is aimed at first year students.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, reading and analyzing texts, guided discussion. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Contents for students who are taking the 6-CFU course

Part 1 (6 CFU)
Lecturer: Francesco CAMERA
Topic: The philosopher and the features of philosophical activity in Plato.
The Republic is Plato's most important and widely-known dialog; it reflects – and it is a synthesis of – the complexity and the great extent of his philosophical research. The course will offer a thematic reading of the central books (V, VI, VII, 473a-541b) focusing on ethical, political, ontological, and epistemological aspects. In particular, the course will analyze the figure of the philosopher (the difference between a philosopher, a sophist and a rhetor) and will analyze dialogic-dialectic philosophical activity as a specific, essential activity of the human being, by addressing problems that are still relevant today. 

Contents for students who are taking the 9-CFU course

Part 1 (6 CFU)
Lecturer: Francesco CAMERA
Topic: The philosopher and the features of philosophical activity in Plato.
The Republic is Plato's most important and widely-known dialog; it reflects – and it is a synthesis of – the complexity and the great extent of his philosophical research. The course will offer a thematic reading of the central books (V, VI, VII, 473a-541b) focusing on ethical, political, ontological, and epistemological aspects. In particular, the course will analyze the figure of the philosopher (the difference between a philosopher, a sophist and a rhetor) and will analyze dialogic-dialectic philosophical activity as a specific, essential activity of the human being, by addressing problems that are still relevant today. 

Part 2 (3 CFU)
Lecturer: Edoardo SIMONOTTI

Philosophy as wisdom in Aristotle.
The course will present the questions and basic notions of metaphysical tradition, with a special focus on reading and commenting relevant parts of Aristotle's Metaphysics  (Books I, XII) – a fundamental text for western philosophy.

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

September 18, 2023.

Class schedule

PHILOSOPHICAL PROPEDEUTICS

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 strongly recommended. Those who are unable to attend, please contact the teacher.