OVERVIEW

The course aims to introduce the main problems in the philosophy of knowledge, with a focus on feminist epistemologies.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Not only does the philosophy of knowledge, along with metaphysics, constitute the major discipline of philosophy, but with Aristotle (First Book of Metaphysics) it also becomes exceedingly clear that if one does not aspire to know, one is not a human being. In the course through critical and cogent arguments, in dialogue with students, the main themes of the philosophy of knowledge will be developed (types of knowledge, definition of propositional knowledge, sources of knowledge, types of justification, skepticism, areas of knowledge), in an attempt to understand human beings in relation to and because of and to them, and we will focus on a particular author and a specific volume of him in order to understand its real specificities.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Teaching objectives are:

- To clarify in what sense feminist epistemologies constitute recent philosophical subject matter, and develop in contrast to traditional philosophy of knowledge

- To deepen the ontological value of feminist epistemologies, in an attempt to clarify the category "woman," or rather "women," with its characteristics, even in relation to men.

- Deepen, through feminist philosophies, notions central to today's debate, which includes the notions of identity and knowledge.

Upon completion of the teaching, the student should be able to:

- Understand not only the various types of feminist movements, but the philosophy that best manages to 'capture' women's existential knowledge, in a world where women always remain subordinate.

- Deepen the theoretical methods, to be applied to the practical, so that this does not happen, as well as so that women's knowledge extends beyond the various violence women suffer in all parts of the world.

PREREQUISITES

None

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures; students will be able to intervene with talks that will replace part of the exam. Lectures by renowned international specialists are expected.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

What is the difference between women and men? This will be the main question we will try to answer. Does this difference exist between all women and all men? And the young? The answer requires making good use of the controversial categories of knowledge about gender and sex, while clarifying knowledge about sexualities. In order to answer adequately, some recent epistemological theories will be presented. Particular relevance will be given to nature versus reason, to the debate on essentialism, to the problem of the self, to the identity and knowledge of women.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

6 cfu

Two books of the followings:

Platone, Teeteto, Feltrinelli, Milano

Cartesio, Opere Filosofiche, Laterza Roma-Bai

G. Lakoff, Women, Fire, and dangerous things, The University Chicago Press, Chicago.

R. Halwani, Philosophy of sex and marriage, Routledge, London.

9cfu

Two books of the followings:

Platone, Teeteto, Feltrinelli, Milano

Cartesio, Opere Filosofiche, Laterza Roma-Bai

G. Lakoff, Women, Fire, and dangerous things, The University Chicago Press, Chicago.

R. Halwani, Philosophy of sex and marriage, Routledge, London.

One book of the followings:

L.M Alcoff, Feminist Philosophy, Blackwell, MA.

C.F. Karpowitz & TT Medendeberd, Princeton University Press, Princeton.

S,. Hines, I Gender Fluid? Thames & Hudson, London.

J. Weeks, Sexuality, Routledge, London

M. Roothbltt, L'aparteheid del sesso, il Saggiatore, Milano.

Ulteriore bibliografia per coloro che sostengono l’esame per 9 CFU sarà fornita a lezione.

Other relevant readings in English will be proposed to incoming students.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

NICLA VASSALLO (President)

DANIELE PORELLO

FEDERICO ZUOLO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

18 February 2025

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

 Attendees: in-class presentation and oral examination on program topics. Mode and timing of presentation will be agreed upon in class. Non-Attendees: the exam consists of an oral examination on the program topics.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Attendees: in-class presentation (20 points out of 30) assesses the ability to apply the analytical and conceptual tools proper to philosophical reasoning in the discussion of novel problems, with particular reference to the issues raised by contemporary epistemology, as well as to independently propose philosophically relevant connections, arguments and counter-arguments; oral examination (10 points out of 30) assesses the ability to understand, explain and synthesize advanced texts in philosophy of knowledge. 

NON-attendees: the oral exam assesses the ability to understand, explain and synthesize advanced texts in philosophy of knowledge (10 points out of 30); Apply analytical and conceptual tools proper to philosophical reasoning in the discussion of novel problems, with particular reference to the issues raised by contemporary epistemology (10 points out of 30); independently propose philosophically relevant connections, arguments and counter-arguments (10 points out of 30).

Exam schedule