“All cultures have equal dignity”: when taken seriously, this statement entails a number of relevant, and sometimes bewildering, consequences (philosophical, political, epistemological and existential). The course accompanies students in exploring these consequences, conducted as much through an “archaeological” excavation in our cultural foundations as by anthropological comparison with other human worlds present on the planet.
Among the great partitions of Western thought, the crucial role is given to "nature" and "culture". On them are based the claim of universality of science, discourses on (in)tolerance and on the separation of body and mind. The course investigates the link between ontology and knowledge, in the light of the new voices in the anthropological field in recent years. Topics such as multinaturalism/multirealism will be discussed, along with the connections between forms of life, knowledge systems, local ontologies and the possibilities of democracy.
Upon completion of the course of study, students 1) will know the terms and stakes of the ongoing debate in contemporary anthropology, in its ontological, ethical, epistemological and political implications; 2) will know how to critically connect observed phenomena, theories and data; 3) will have acquired the ability to approach “other worlds” without presumption; 4) will have developed cultural sensitivity to the connections between life forms, knowledge systems, local ontologies and modes of humanity.
None.
Teaching is entirely carried out through lectures given by the lecturer and, in some cases, by other experts in the anthropological field or on relevant topics.
1) The philosophical and ethical crisis of contemporary modern world.
2) Philosophical archeology of the Western worldview.
3) The building of a human being: bio-cultural becoming in its different aspects.
4) The concept of crisis: from de Martino's “presence in the world” to “cultural apocalypses”; path for integration.
5) The multiplicity of worlds.
Preparation for the 6 CFU syllabus exam involves studying the textbook (a), one text of your choice from the list (b) and two articles of your choice from the list (c).
The textbook and books from list (b) are available in bookstores. Part of the choice papers from list (c) will be made available to students during class (nonattending students can request them via email to the lecturer).
(a) Consigliere S., 2014. Antropo-logiche. Mondi e modi dell’umano. Colibrì, Milano.
(b) One book among the following:
(c) Two papers among the following:
Ricevimento: Due to the ongoing work in the building at Via Balbi 4 and the consequent closure of the faculty offices, for A.Y. 2025-2026, reception is by appointment only at the lecturer's temporary office in Room 1A8 in Disfor (Corso Podestà 2): from the main entrance, turn right and go up the grand staircase; once you reach the second floor, Room 1A8 is immediately on the left.To book an appointment, write to stefania.consigliere@unige.it or call 01020953582.
STEFANIA CONSIGLIERE (President)
CRISTINA ZAVARONI
SIMONA PARAVAGNA (Substitute)
Monday, the 15th of September 2025.
The timetable for this course is available here: EasyAcademy
The examination is conducted exclusively in oral form and consists of a dialogue to ascertain knowledge of the examination program, i.e., the content and meaning of the above texts, and to assess the ability to critically analyze the proposed topics. To this end, a short text may be proposed for reading, in order to identify and critically analyse its cultural, philosophical and ideological implications. Methods of assessment, learning objectives and examination syllabus are identical for both attending and non-attending students.
Knowledge of the exam syllabus counts for 20/thirtyths. The ability to critically investigate the proposed topics counts for 10/thirtyths.
The examination sessions, which are held exclusively in person, usually begin at 9 a.m. in the classroom assigned by the School. Registration, which must be done within five days of the exam date, is done electronically. Workers, parents with young children, and off-site persons have priority.
