History of Contemporary Metaphysics
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course aims to allow the students to acquire the theoretical, methodological and critical tools characterizing the metaphysical studies, together with a sound general knowledge of the historical evolution in contemporary era. To comply with the typically interdisciplinary character of philosophical research, the course considers the ever-closer relationships that metaphysics and ontology developed with other philosophical and scientific disciplines, with innovative applications that are also practical.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- understands the lexicon and knows the methods, the purpose and the research topics of metaphysics
- understands the historical and theoretical meaning of the texts (also in their original language) and the transformations of traditions, concepts and argumentative forms within the discipline
- masters a systematic and in-depth knowledge of the history of contemporary metaphysics, acquired through the reading of the texts and the study of secondary literature
- has proficient knowledge of the bibliographic resources and methodological tools characterising the research in contemporary metaphysics
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the study path, the student
- can soundly and adequately make use of the philosophical lexicon
- is able to follow and evaluate the contemporary debate in metaphysics and to apply the acquired knowledge on the historical development of the argumentative forms and traditions of thought to the analysis of new texts and philosophical proposals in the field
- is able to acknowledge the transformation of classical paradigms, traditions and perspectives
- is able to connect the contemporary debate in metaphysics with other philosophical and scientific disciplines
- is confident and autonomous in the application of the different paradigms in metaphysics to different topics and new problems
- can master and apply the methodological resources and bibliographic tools of historical-philosophical research and can produce original research, discussing the results obtained and presenting them to others, both specialists and non-specialists
At the end of the course, the student
- understands the lexicon and knows the methods, the purpose and the research topics of metaphysics
- understands the historical and theoretical meaning of the texts (also in their original language) and the transformations of traditions, concepts and argumentative forms within the discipline
- masters a systematic and in-depth knowledge of the history of contemporary metaphysics, acquired through the reading of the texts and the study of secondary literature
- has proficient knowledge of the bibliographic resources and methodological tools characterising the research in contemporary metaphysics
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the study path, the student
- can soundly and adequately make use of the philosophical lexicon
- is able to follow and evaluate the contemporary debate in metaphysics and to apply the acquired knowledge on the historical development of the argumentative forms and traditions of thought to the analysis of new texts and philosophical proposals in the field
- is able to acknowledge the transformation of classical paradigms, traditions and perspectives
- is able to connect the contemporary debate in metaphysics with other philosophical and scientific disciplines
- is confident and autonomous in the application of the different paradigms in metaphysics to different topics and new problems
- can master and apply the methodological resources and bibliographic tools of historical-philosophical research and can produce original research, discussing the results obtained and presenting them to others, both specialists and non-specialists
Lesson period: First semester
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
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
In the first unit the establishment of the so-called "standard paradigm" in ontology is reconstructed and some alternative proposals are presented, including realism and neo-Aristotelianism. Also in this first unit, the tools, the vocabulary and the fundamental notions of contemporary ontology are introduced. In the second unit, the theme of alternative ontologies and the notion of "ontological relativity" are investigated, with some references to idealism and the dependence of ontology on conceptual schemes. In the third unit, some applications of philosophical ontology are presented. There are no additional educational activities.
Prerequisites for admission
The course requires a good knowledge of the terminology of philosophy and a basic knowledge of the authors and main currents of contemporary philosophy, with particular reference to idealism, logical neo-empiricism and analytic philosophy.
Teaching methods
The course of History of Contemporary Metaphysics will introduce students to key problems and authors of contemporary Metaphysics, Ontology. This year, the monographic course intends to present the contemporary debate in ontology from a meta-theoretical and foundational perspective with particular attention to the most recent developments and to the possible applications of the methods and results of philosophical ontology also to non-philosophical disciplines and theories. Contemporary metaphysics and ontology have specialized exponentially and require advanced specific skills. On the other hand, ontology has developed ever-closer relationships with other philosophical and scientific disciplines, with innovative applications that are also practical.
Teaching Resources
REFERENCES FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING THE CLASS:
Teaching Unit A (20 hours & 3 cfu): The Establishment of the Standard Paradigm in Contemporary Ontology and Its Rivals
· R. Carnap, "Empiricism, Semantics and Ontology", in R. Carnap, Meaning and Necessity: A Study in Semantics and Modal Logic, Chicago University Press, 19562, pp. 205-221;
· W.V. Quine, "On What There Is" and "Two Dogmas of Empiricism", in W.V. Quine, From a Logical Point of View Nine Logico-Philosophical Essays, Harvard University Press, Cambridge (Mass) 1953; 2d, revised ed., 1961 e 1980;
· K. Fine, "The Question of Ontology", in Meta-metaphysics. New Essays on the Foundations of Ontology, edited by D. Chalmers, D. Manley, and R. Wasserman, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2009, pp. 157-177.
Teaching Unit B (20 hours & 3 cfu): Ontological Relativity After Quine
· H. Putnam, The Many Faces of Realism, Lectures I-II, Open Court, La Salle, Illinois 1987, pp. 1-40;
· M. Ekklund, "Alien Structures and Themes from Analytical Philosophy", in Giornale di metafisica, draft, available at
https://www.academia.edu/38543854/Alien_Structure_and_Themes_From_Analytic_Philosophy
Teaching Unit C (20 hours & 3 cfu): Applied Ontology
· P. Valore, "L'inventario del mondo. Guida allo studio dell'ontologia", UTET, Torino 2008, part VII: "Entità": pp. 235-299.
· P. Heuer-B. Hennig, "The Classification of Living Beings", in K. Munn-B. Smith, Applied Ontology. An Introduction, Ontos Verlag, Frankfurt 2008, pp. 197-218;
· P. Valore, "Natural Kinds, Similarity, and Individual Cases: Ontological Presuppositions and Ethical Implications", in Psychological, Emotional, Social and Cognitive Aspects of Implantable Cardiac Devices , eds. R. Proietti, G.M. Manzoni, G. Pietrabissa, G. Castelnuovo, Springer International, Dordrecht 2017, pp. 261-269.
REFERENCES FOR STUDENTS NOT ATTENDING THE CLASS:
Teaching Unit A (20 hours & 3 cfu): The Establishment of the Standard Paradigm in Contemporary Ontology and Its Rivals
· P. Valore, "L'inventario del mondo. Guida allo studio dell'ontologia", UTET, Torino 2008, Part I: "Lessico di base", pp. 3-26; parte II: Strumenti, pp. 27-78.
· R. Carnap, "Empiricism, Semantics and Ontology", in R. Carnap, Meaning and Necessity: A Study in Semantics and Modal Logic, Chicago University Press, 19562, pp. 205-221;
· W.V. Quine, "On What There Is" and "Two Dogmas of Empiricism", in W.V. Quine, From a Logical Point of View Nine Logico-Philosophical Essays, Harvard University Press, Cambridge (Mass) 1953; 2d, revised ed., 1961 e 1980;
· K. Fine, "The Question of Ontology", in Meta-metaphysics. New Essays on the Foundations of Ontology, edited by D. Chalmers, D. Manley, and R. Wasserman, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2009, pp. 157-177.
Teaching Unit B (20 hours & 3 cfu): Ontological Relativity After Quine
· P. Valore, "L'inventario del mondo. Guida allo studio dell'ontologia", UTET, Torino 2008, parte III: "Categorie": pp. 81-130: parte VI: "Esistenza", pp. 195-234.
· H. Putnam, The Many Faces of Realism, Lectures I-II, Open Court, La Salle, Illinois 1987, pp. 1-40;
· M. Ekklund, "Alien Structures and Themes from Analytical Philosophy", in Giornale di metafisica, draft, available at
https://www.academia.edu/38543854/Alien_Structure_and_Themes_From_Analytic_Philosophy
Teaching Unit C (20 hours & 3 cfu): Applied Ontology
· P. Heuer-B. Hennig, "The Classification of Living Beings", in K. Munn-B. Smith, Applied Ontology. An Introduction, Ontos Verlag, Frankfurt 2008, pp. 197-218;
· P. Valore, "Natural Kinds, Similarity, and Individual Cases: Ontological Presuppositions and Ethical Implications", in Psychological, Emotional, Social and Cognitive Aspects of Implantable Cardiac Devices , eds. R. Proietti, G.M. Manzoni, G. Pietrabissa, G. Castelnuovo, Springer International, Dordrecht 2017, pp. 261-269.
Teaching Unit A (20 hours & 3 cfu): The Establishment of the Standard Paradigm in Contemporary Ontology and Its Rivals
· R. Carnap, "Empiricism, Semantics and Ontology", in R. Carnap, Meaning and Necessity: A Study in Semantics and Modal Logic, Chicago University Press, 19562, pp. 205-221;
· W.V. Quine, "On What There Is" and "Two Dogmas of Empiricism", in W.V. Quine, From a Logical Point of View Nine Logico-Philosophical Essays, Harvard University Press, Cambridge (Mass) 1953; 2d, revised ed., 1961 e 1980;
· K. Fine, "The Question of Ontology", in Meta-metaphysics. New Essays on the Foundations of Ontology, edited by D. Chalmers, D. Manley, and R. Wasserman, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2009, pp. 157-177.
Teaching Unit B (20 hours & 3 cfu): Ontological Relativity After Quine
· H. Putnam, The Many Faces of Realism, Lectures I-II, Open Court, La Salle, Illinois 1987, pp. 1-40;
· M. Ekklund, "Alien Structures and Themes from Analytical Philosophy", in Giornale di metafisica, draft, available at
https://www.academia.edu/38543854/Alien_Structure_and_Themes_From_Analytic_Philosophy
Teaching Unit C (20 hours & 3 cfu): Applied Ontology
· P. Valore, "L'inventario del mondo. Guida allo studio dell'ontologia", UTET, Torino 2008, part VII: "Entità": pp. 235-299.
· P. Heuer-B. Hennig, "The Classification of Living Beings", in K. Munn-B. Smith, Applied Ontology. An Introduction, Ontos Verlag, Frankfurt 2008, pp. 197-218;
· P. Valore, "Natural Kinds, Similarity, and Individual Cases: Ontological Presuppositions and Ethical Implications", in Psychological, Emotional, Social and Cognitive Aspects of Implantable Cardiac Devices , eds. R. Proietti, G.M. Manzoni, G. Pietrabissa, G. Castelnuovo, Springer International, Dordrecht 2017, pp. 261-269.
REFERENCES FOR STUDENTS NOT ATTENDING THE CLASS:
Teaching Unit A (20 hours & 3 cfu): The Establishment of the Standard Paradigm in Contemporary Ontology and Its Rivals
· P. Valore, "L'inventario del mondo. Guida allo studio dell'ontologia", UTET, Torino 2008, Part I: "Lessico di base", pp. 3-26; parte II: Strumenti, pp. 27-78.
· R. Carnap, "Empiricism, Semantics and Ontology", in R. Carnap, Meaning and Necessity: A Study in Semantics and Modal Logic, Chicago University Press, 19562, pp. 205-221;
· W.V. Quine, "On What There Is" and "Two Dogmas of Empiricism", in W.V. Quine, From a Logical Point of View Nine Logico-Philosophical Essays, Harvard University Press, Cambridge (Mass) 1953; 2d, revised ed., 1961 e 1980;
· K. Fine, "The Question of Ontology", in Meta-metaphysics. New Essays on the Foundations of Ontology, edited by D. Chalmers, D. Manley, and R. Wasserman, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2009, pp. 157-177.
Teaching Unit B (20 hours & 3 cfu): Ontological Relativity After Quine
· P. Valore, "L'inventario del mondo. Guida allo studio dell'ontologia", UTET, Torino 2008, parte III: "Categorie": pp. 81-130: parte VI: "Esistenza", pp. 195-234.
· H. Putnam, The Many Faces of Realism, Lectures I-II, Open Court, La Salle, Illinois 1987, pp. 1-40;
· M. Ekklund, "Alien Structures and Themes from Analytical Philosophy", in Giornale di metafisica, draft, available at
https://www.academia.edu/38543854/Alien_Structure_and_Themes_From_Analytic_Philosophy
Teaching Unit C (20 hours & 3 cfu): Applied Ontology
· P. Heuer-B. Hennig, "The Classification of Living Beings", in K. Munn-B. Smith, Applied Ontology. An Introduction, Ontos Verlag, Frankfurt 2008, pp. 197-218;
· P. Valore, "Natural Kinds, Similarity, and Individual Cases: Ontological Presuppositions and Ethical Implications", in Psychological, Emotional, Social and Cognitive Aspects of Implantable Cardiac Devices , eds. R. Proietti, G.M. Manzoni, G. Pietrabissa, G. Castelnuovo, Springer International, Dordrecht 2017, pp. 261-269.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be the same for all students, regardless of course attendance. It consists of an oral interview on the topics of the course, during which the candidate must demonstrate mastery not only of the contents but also, and above all, of the argumentative styles typical of the contemporary metaphysical debate, evaluating the favorable arguments and against and the costs and benefits of the individual theoretical proposals. For students attending the class: at the beginning of the course and at the end of each teaching unit, a multiple-choice self-assessment test will be distributed, to be completed anonymously, the results of which will be discussed in the classroom. For students that cannot attend the class: there will be an additional handbook to study (see the bibliographical references below). National and international students or Erasmus visiting students are invited to make timely contact with the course professor. The examination procedures for students with disabilities and / or with DSA must be agreed with the teacher, in agreement with the competent Office.
Unita' didattica A
M-FIL/06 - HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-FIL/06 - HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-FIL/06 - HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday from 5:00 PM
On line (Teams). Please send an email to book your appointment