This course aims to introduce the main topics of the continental phenomenological-hermeneutic approach to philosophy. In particular, it will focus on the complex phenomenon of understanding and interpretating from a historical-theoretical perspective on issues like knowledge, truth, and meaning.
Focusing on the complex phenomenon of understanding and interpreting as an autonomous philosophical problem. Guiding to a correct reading of philosophical texts (with focus on the classics of the Western tradition), through the examination of textual approach procedures (literal or allegorical method, authorial principle, historical contextualization, critical problematization).
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.
Lectures, reading and analyzing texts, guided discussion, problem solving.
Contents for students who are taking the 6-CFU course
Understanding as a philosophical problem
The course will outline the main features of the complex phenomena of understanding and interpreting from a hermeneutic perspective. It will refer especially to the text-centered approach (in authors such as Schleiermacher and Dilthey) and to the main philosophers (Heidegger, Gadamer and Ricoeur) who outgrew such an approach.
Contents for students who are taking the 9-CFU course
Part 1: Understanding as a philosophical problem
Part 2: Interpretation, thruth, and perspective
The course will investigate the issues of interpretation, thruth, and perspective from the analysis of texts by Friedrich Nietzsche, an author who significantly influenced contemporary philosophical hermeneutics.
Readings/Bibliography
The reading list for this course is available on the Italian version of the web page.
Ricevimento: By e-mail appointment.
EDOARDO SIMONOTTI (President)
FRANCESCO CAMERA
ROBERTO CELADA BALLANTI (Substitute)
ELISABETTA COLAGROSSI (Substitute)
February, 2025
Attending students: oral exam covering the content of the lessons and the texts listed in the bibliography.
Non-attending students: oral exam covering the texts listed in the bibliography.
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).
Attendance is recommended.
