OVERVIEW

The course is intended to go deep into the history of Western philosophy in the centuries VII b.C-VI a.D. Particular attention will be paid to the sources for the reconstruction of this philosophical tradition. Students are expected to follow the development of a philosophical problem through some representative ancient philosophical works, which will be analyzed and commented.   

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge of the history of ancient thought (VII-VI b.C-VI century a.D.) aquired by analyzing and commenting some fundamental works written by Greek and Latin philosophers (Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Potinus...); their works will be read translated into Italian, with reference to the original Greek or Latin text.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

1) Knowledge and Understanding. Knowledge of the most important periods and figures of the history of western ancient philosophy (VII b.C.-VI a.D.). Understanding the vocabulary, the argumentative structures, and the cultural context of the main philosophical texts of Greek-roman Antiquity.

2) Applying Knowledge and Understanding. Knowing how to read and explain ancient philosophical texts from an historical and a philosophical point of view.

3) Making Judgements. Acquiring critical consciousness through the dialogue with philosophical texts belonging to the past.

4) Communication Skills. Extending one’s own philosophical vocabulary, abstractive capacities, and argumentative skills, in relation to the different contexts of discussion.

5) Learning Skills. Learning the fundamental outlines of the History of Ancient Philosophy (requested for attending MA-courses in the field of Philosophy, History and Literature).

PREREQUISITES

It's advisable, but not compulsory, to have a general overview of the history of ancient western philosophy and to be able to read the ancient Greek alphabet.

TEACHING METHODS

Full Program (9 CFU):

- Frontal lectures

Reduced Program (6 CFU):

- Frontal lectures

Students who cannot attend classes are invited to contact Prof. Michele Abbate.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Full Program (9 cfu) 

1. What is ancient philosophy? Sources, outlines and fundamental philosophical issues from the origins to Plotinus. 
2. The relation between being and thought from Parmenides to Plato and its development within the Neoplatonic tradition.

Reduced Program (6 cfu) 

1. What is ancient philosophy? Sources, outlines and fundamental philosophical issues from the origins to Plotinus. 
2. The relationship between being and thought from Parmenides to Plato. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Full Program (9 CFU):

• 1. Franco Ferrari (ed.), Filosofia Antica, Le Monnier Università, Milano, 2024. Cap. 1-14.
• 2. Michele Abbate, Parmenide e i Neoplatonici. Dall'Essere all'Uno e al di là dell'Uno, Edizioni dell'Orso, Alessandria 2010. Cap. I-VI 
• 3. Platone, Il Sofista, ed. by Bruno Centrone, Einaudi, Torino, 2008.

      or

• Platone, Il Sofista, ed. by Francesco Fronterotta, Bur, Milano, 2007.

​Reduced Program (6 CFU): 

• 1. Franco Ferrari (ed.), Filosofia Antica, Le Monnier Università, Milano, 2024: Capitoli 1-13.
• 2. Michele Abbate, Parmenide e i Neoplatonici. Dall'Essere all'Uno e al di là dell'Uno, Edizioni dell'Orso, Alessandria 2010: Capitoli I-V.
• 3. Platone, Il Sofista, ed. by Bruno Centrone, Einaudi, Torino, 2008.

       or

• Platone, Il Sofista, ed. by Francesco Fronterotta, Bur, Milano 2007. 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MICHELE ABBATE (President)

SIMONA LANGELLA

MARCO DAMONTE (Substitute)

FEDERICO ZUOLO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

17th February 2025

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Interview.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Students are expected to show their preparation by answering questions on each part of the course programme.

Particular importance will be given to the student's skills in formulating personal considerations and connections supported by reference to the texts examined.

Exam schedule