OVERVIEW

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.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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).

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

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.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, reading and analyzing texts, guided discussion, problem solving. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Contents for students who are taking the 6-CFU course

Part 1: Understanding as a Philosophical Problem

The lectures examine some significant moments in the history of hermeneutics, tracing the path from the text-centred approach to the more recent conception of hermeneutics as philosophical theory. The following topics are addressed:

1. The origins of hermeneutics
2. Hermeneutics as an autonomous discipline: Schleiermacher and Dilthey
3. The ontological-hermeneutical turn: Heidegger and Gadamer
4. Post-Gadamerian hermeneutics
5. Truth, person, and interpretation

Contents for students who are taking the 9-CFU course

Part 1: Understanding as a Philosophical Problem

The lectures examine some significant moments in the history of hermeneutics, tracing the path from the text-centred approach to the more recent conception of hermeneutics as philosophical theory. The following topics are addressed:

1. The origins of hermeneutics
2. Hermeneutics as an autonomous discipline: Schleiermacher and Dilthey
3. The ontological-hermeneutical turn: Heidegger and Gadamer
4. Post-Gadamerian hermeneutics
5. Truth, person, and interpretation

Part 2: Hermeneutics and "Existential Analytic" in Heidegger

The course investigates the issues of understanding, finitude, and the forms of inauthentic existence in Martin Heidegger's Being and Time (1927).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Readings/Bibliography

The reading list for this course is available on the Italian version of the web page.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February, 2027

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

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.

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).

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance is recommended.