History of Ancient Philosophy
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course aims to offer a brief knowledge of the history of ancient philosophy. The course also provide the ability to analyze and interpret the most up-to-date texts of the main reference authors and introduce the awareness of the perspective and historical distance, as well as of the problems related to it (with particular reference to the use of historiographical knowledge for the purposes of contemporary philosophical research). Finally, the course aims to provide the minor and conceptual tools suitable for historical-philosophical communication, with particular reference to ancient thought, both scientific and popular.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
- In-depth knowledge of the history of ancient philosophy through comparison between classic texts written by fundamental authors
- understanding of the theoretical and historical significance of the texts
- understanding of some central nodes of ancient thought
- full awareness of the transformation over time of concepts and argumentative forms in relation to language and reality.
Skills:
- Ability to critically apply the knowledge learned in reading and commenting on complex and ancient philosophical, framing them historically.
- Ability to apply the acquired knowledge on ancient thought, specifically on the relationship between language and reality.
- In-depth knowledge of the history of ancient philosophy through comparison between classic texts written by fundamental authors
- understanding of the theoretical and historical significance of the texts
- understanding of some central nodes of ancient thought
- full awareness of the transformation over time of concepts and argumentative forms in relation to language and reality.
Skills:
- Ability to critically apply the knowledge learned in reading and commenting on complex and ancient philosophical, framing them historically.
- Ability to apply the acquired knowledge on ancient thought, specifically on the relationship between language and reality.
Lesson period: Activity scheduled over several sessions (see Course syllabus and organization section for more detailed information).
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
(A-L)
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Title of the course: Plato's attitude toward traditional culture and the Sophistics Movement
Unità didattica 1: Summary of the History on Ancient Philosophy
Unità didattica 2: Plato and the traditional civilization
Unità didattica 3: Plato and the Sophistics Movement
Unità didattica 1: Summary of the History on Ancient Philosophy
Unità didattica 2: Plato and the traditional civilization
Unità didattica 3: Plato and the Sophistics Movement
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission.
Teaching methods
Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not compulsory. The teaching is delivered through frontal lectures aimed primarily at the acquisition of knowledge, competence and specific language of the subject. The major part of the teaching consists of the explanation and commentary of ancient philosophical texts; its aim is to enable the students to acquire interpretative skills and critical attitudes. The teaching is also based on didactic material provided on Ariel.
Teaching Resources
- Attending students:
- Programme for 6 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules 1 and 2)
F. Trabattoni, Storia della filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci
Platone: on, Ippias Minor, Eutiphron (ed. Einaudi)
- Programme for 9 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules 1, 2 and 3)
F. Trabattoni, Storia della filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci
Platone: Ion, Ippias Minor, Eutiphron (ed. Einaudi), Protagoras (ed.Bur)
- Non-attending students:
- Programme for 6 cfu:
F. Trabattoni, Storia della filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci
Platone: on, Ippias Minor, Eutiphron (ed. Einaudi)
- Programme for 9 cfu:
F. Trabattoni, Storia della filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci
Platone: Ion, Ippias Minor, Eutiphron (ed. Einaudi), Protagoras (ed.Bur)
International and Erasmus students are invited to promptly get in touch with the professor in order to arrange a reading plan (available in English) for exam preparation.
- Programme for 6 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules 1 and 2)
F. Trabattoni, Storia della filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci
Platone: on, Ippias Minor, Eutiphron (ed. Einaudi)
- Programme for 9 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules 1, 2 and 3)
F. Trabattoni, Storia della filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci
Platone: Ion, Ippias Minor, Eutiphron (ed. Einaudi), Protagoras (ed.Bur)
- Non-attending students:
- Programme for 6 cfu:
F. Trabattoni, Storia della filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci
Platone: on, Ippias Minor, Eutiphron (ed. Einaudi)
- Programme for 9 cfu:
F. Trabattoni, Storia della filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci
Platone: Ion, Ippias Minor, Eutiphron (ed. Einaudi), Protagoras (ed.Bur)
International and Erasmus students are invited to promptly get in touch with the professor in order to arrange a reading plan (available in English) for exam preparation.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is composed of a written test and an oral exam, both compulsory. Passing the written test (with the minimum grade of 18/30) is a necessary condition for being admitted to the oral part. In the written test the knowledge concerning the history of ancient philosophy in general and Plato's thought from a synthetic point of view will be ascertained. In the oral exam it will be ascertained knowledge and skills acquired in the comprehension and commentary of the texts proposed in classroom. Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
Unita' didattica A
M-FIL/07 - HISTORY OF ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-FIL/07 - HISTORY OF ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-FIL/07 - HISTORY OF ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
(M-Z)
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course will be developed in three stages:
1. The Republic of Plato
Introduction to pre-Platonic Greek political thought; reading of (parts) of books I, II, IV and V of Plato's Republic.
2. The Statesman and the Laws
Introduction and reading of some passages from the last two Platonic political dialogues. Particular attention will be paid to linking the "utopia" of the Republic with the philosophical proposals of the Statesman and the Laws.
3. The Seventh Letter and the twentieth-century debate on Plato's totalitarianism
Full reading of Plato's Seventh Letter (with an introduction to the main exegetical problems) and exposition of Karl Popper's criticism of Plato's politics and Leo Strauss's ironic reading of the Republic.
The course is open to all students of the degree course in Philosophy; it is open also to students of other degree courses of the Studi Umanistici Faculty, if this is foreseen in their curriculum (piano di studio). Students who are unable to read Italian must contact the professor.
1. The Republic of Plato
Introduction to pre-Platonic Greek political thought; reading of (parts) of books I, II, IV and V of Plato's Republic.
2. The Statesman and the Laws
Introduction and reading of some passages from the last two Platonic political dialogues. Particular attention will be paid to linking the "utopia" of the Republic with the philosophical proposals of the Statesman and the Laws.
3. The Seventh Letter and the twentieth-century debate on Plato's totalitarianism
Full reading of Plato's Seventh Letter (with an introduction to the main exegetical problems) and exposition of Karl Popper's criticism of Plato's politics and Leo Strauss's ironic reading of the Republic.
The course is open to all students of the degree course in Philosophy; it is open also to students of other degree courses of the Studi Umanistici Faculty, if this is foreseen in their curriculum (piano di studio). Students who are unable to read Italian must contact the professor.
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required
Teaching methods
Lectures
Teaching Resources
9 CFU:
1. F. Trabattoni, La filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
2. F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci (Collana "Pensatori")
3. Platone, La Repubblica, a cura di M. Vegetti, BUR
4. Platone, Settima lettera, introduzione, traduzione e commento a cura di F. Forcignanò, Carocci
5. Selection of texts, sections A e B (available on Ariel after the designation of the professor)
6 CFU:
1. F. Trabattoni, La filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
2. F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci (Collana "Pensatori")
3. Platone, La Repubblica, a cura di M. Vegetti, BUR
4. Platone, Settima lettera, introduzione, traduzione e commento a cura di F. Forcignanò, Carocci
Readings and assignments for non-attending students:
9 CFU:
1. F. Trabattoni, La filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
2. F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci (Collana "Pensatori")
3. One of the following essays:
- M. Bonazzi, Atene, la città inquieta, Einaudi
- R. Chiaradonna, Platonismo, il Mulino
- M. Vegetti, L'etica degli antichi, Laterza
3. Platone, La Repubblica, a cura di M. Vegetti, BUR (books I, II, IV, V)
4. Platone, Settima lettera, introduzione, traduzione e commento a cura di F. Forcignanò, Carocci
6 CFU:
1. F. Trabattoni, La filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
2. F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci (Collana "Pensatori")
3. Platone, La Repubblica, a cura di M. Vegetti, BUR (books I, II, IV, V)
4. Platone, Settima lettera, introduzione, traduzione e commento a cura di F. Forcignanò, Carocci
1. F. Trabattoni, La filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
2. F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci (Collana "Pensatori")
3. Platone, La Repubblica, a cura di M. Vegetti, BUR
4. Platone, Settima lettera, introduzione, traduzione e commento a cura di F. Forcignanò, Carocci
5. Selection of texts, sections A e B (available on Ariel after the designation of the professor)
6 CFU:
1. F. Trabattoni, La filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
2. F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci (Collana "Pensatori")
3. Platone, La Repubblica, a cura di M. Vegetti, BUR
4. Platone, Settima lettera, introduzione, traduzione e commento a cura di F. Forcignanò, Carocci
Readings and assignments for non-attending students:
9 CFU:
1. F. Trabattoni, La filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
2. F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci (Collana "Pensatori")
3. One of the following essays:
- M. Bonazzi, Atene, la città inquieta, Einaudi
- R. Chiaradonna, Platonismo, il Mulino
- M. Vegetti, L'etica degli antichi, Laterza
3. Platone, La Repubblica, a cura di M. Vegetti, BUR (books I, II, IV, V)
4. Platone, Settima lettera, introduzione, traduzione e commento a cura di F. Forcignanò, Carocci
6 CFU:
1. F. Trabattoni, La filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico, Carocci
2. F. Trabattoni, Platone, Carocci (Collana "Pensatori")
3. Platone, La Repubblica, a cura di M. Vegetti, BUR (books I, II, IV, V)
4. Platone, Settima lettera, introduzione, traduzione e commento a cura di F. Forcignanò, Carocci
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written + Oral (both mandatory). The final examination includes a preliminary written test based on the books La filosofia antica. Profilo critico-storico and Platone, and an oral examination about the other topics and texts included in the syllabus (it is mandatory to register for both exams). It is necessary to pass the written test (at least 18/30) to access the oral examination. The final grade will be determined on the basis of both examinations.
Unita' didattica A
M-FIL/07 - HISTORY OF ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-FIL/07 - HISTORY OF ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-FIL/07 - HISTORY OF ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Thursday 14.30 - 17.30, by appointment
Sector B, Department of Historical Studies, third floor