History of Philosophy
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a solid basic knowledge of some of the most important concepts in the history of Western philosophy with special focus on the classics. Its educational goals are to enable participants to understand the historical and theoretical meaning of the main philosophical traditions in connection with other doctrines and cultural traditions.
Expected learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student
- knows some of the fundamental aspects of the history of Western philosophy (with special reference to the classics)
- knows the fundamental lexicon of philosophy in its historical evolution
- understands the concepts and lines of argument used by the authors
- understands how sources are used and have evolved in time
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course, the student
- Can apply the knowledge acquired in reading a classic
- Can apply the knowledge acquired in framing authors and discussion and texts historically
- Can apply the historical lexicon to the analysis and discussion of texts and problems
- Can apply the understanding of concepts and argumentative forms to the analysis of texts and problems
- Can synthesize clearly the knowledge acquired
- Can confront texts at a basic level
At the end of the course, the student
- knows some of the fundamental aspects of the history of Western philosophy (with special reference to the classics)
- knows the fundamental lexicon of philosophy in its historical evolution
- understands the concepts and lines of argument used by the authors
- understands how sources are used and have evolved in time
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course, the student
- Can apply the knowledge acquired in reading a classic
- Can apply the knowledge acquired in framing authors and discussion and texts historically
- Can apply the historical lexicon to the analysis and discussion of texts and problems
- Can apply the understanding of concepts and argumentative forms to the analysis of texts and problems
- Can synthesize clearly the knowledge acquired
- Can confront texts at a basic level
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 (M-Z)
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Mind and body. Metaphysics and antropology in modern philosophy
1.Mind and matter: the different solutions
Basic introduction to the fundamentals of the relationship between matter and mind in modern age (origin, historical contexts, concepts, lexicon). The different solutions to this issue will be presented, with special reference to the general theory of reality and nature (metaphysics, philosophy of nature), the conception of the man (anthropology), and the evaluation of human actions and purposes (morals).
2. Mind as an idea of the body. The anthropology for liberation in Spinoza
The solution of Spinoza concerning the psychophysical unity of the man is presented as it is representative of the criticism of Descartes' dualism. Ethica more geometrico demonstrata will be analysed to understand Spinoza's deterministic anthropology focused on conatus. Special attention will be devoted to the theory of passions and the path to liberation from their power.
3. Machine and life. Diderot
The solution of Diderot to the body-mind problem will be presented in the context of his scientific naturalism and his critique of the mathematical physics. We will discuss the continuity between matter, life and consciousness, which underscores the concept of the man as a living machine.
1.Mind and matter: the different solutions
Basic introduction to the fundamentals of the relationship between matter and mind in modern age (origin, historical contexts, concepts, lexicon). The different solutions to this issue will be presented, with special reference to the general theory of reality and nature (metaphysics, philosophy of nature), the conception of the man (anthropology), and the evaluation of human actions and purposes (morals).
2. Mind as an idea of the body. The anthropology for liberation in Spinoza
The solution of Spinoza concerning the psychophysical unity of the man is presented as it is representative of the criticism of Descartes' dualism. Ethica more geometrico demonstrata will be analysed to understand Spinoza's deterministic anthropology focused on conatus. Special attention will be devoted to the theory of passions and the path to liberation from their power.
3. Machine and life. Diderot
The solution of Diderot to the body-mind problem will be presented in the context of his scientific naturalism and his critique of the mathematical physics. We will discuss the continuity between matter, life and consciousness, which underscores the concept of the man as a living machine.
Prerequisites for admission
No previous knowledge required
Teaching methods
Lectures
debate and discussion
debate and discussion
Teaching Resources
Readings and assignments for attending students:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1. G. Cambiano-M. Mori-L. Fonnesu, Storia della filosofia occidentale , vol. 3 (only chapters on Cartesio, Hobbes, Locke, Spinoza, Leibniz, l'illuminismo francese)
3rd year students will study E. Cassirer, La filosofia dell'Illuminismo, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 1998 (only chapters I -II)
2. Reading materials available on https://ariel.unimi.it/ (History of philosophy M-Z)
3. Spinoza, Etica dimostrata con metodo geometrico, a cura di E. Giancotti, Roma, Editori Riuniti, 2019 /oppure Milano, Pgreco, 2010 (only: parte seconda, assiomi, propp. VII-XIII; parte terza prefazione, definizioni, postulati, propp. I-XXXVI; parte quarta: prefazione, propp. XVIII, XX, XXIX-XL; parte V: prefazione, propp. I-XIV)
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
1. Diderot, Scritti filosofici, Milano, SE, 2016 (only: Interpretazione della natura, Colloquio fra d'Alembert e Diderot, Il sogno di d'Alembert, Seguito del colloquio)
Readings and assignments for non attending students:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1. G. Cambiano-M. Mori-L. Fonnesu, Storia della filosofia occidentale , vol. 3 (only chapters on Cartesio, Hobbes, Locke, Spinoza, Leibniz, l'illuminismo francese)
3rd year students will study E. Cassirer, La filosofia dell'Illuminismo, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 1998 (only chapters I -II)
2. Reading materials available on https://ariel.unimi.it/ (History of philosophy M-Z)
3. Spinoza, Etica dimostrata con metodo geometrico, a cura di E. Giancotti, Roma, Editori Riuniti, 2019 /oppure Milano, Pgreco, 2010 (only: parte seconda, assiomi, propp. VII-XIII; parte terza prefazione, definizioni, postulati, propp. I-XXXVI; parte quarta: prefazione, propp. XVIII, XX, XXIX-XL; parte V: prefazione, propp. I-XIV)
4. E. Scribano, Guida alla lettura dell'Etica di Spinoza, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2008 (cap. II, cap. III: pp. 89-102; pp. 142-150)
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
1. Diderot, Scritti filosofici, Milano, SE, 2016 (only: Interpretazione della natura, Colloquio fra d'Alembert e Diderot, Il sogno di d'Alembert, Seguito del colloquio)
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1. G. Cambiano-M. Mori-L. Fonnesu, Storia della filosofia occidentale , vol. 3 (only chapters on Cartesio, Hobbes, Locke, Spinoza, Leibniz, l'illuminismo francese)
3rd year students will study E. Cassirer, La filosofia dell'Illuminismo, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 1998 (only chapters I -II)
2. Reading materials available on https://ariel.unimi.it/ (History of philosophy M-Z)
3. Spinoza, Etica dimostrata con metodo geometrico, a cura di E. Giancotti, Roma, Editori Riuniti, 2019 /oppure Milano, Pgreco, 2010 (only: parte seconda, assiomi, propp. VII-XIII; parte terza prefazione, definizioni, postulati, propp. I-XXXVI; parte quarta: prefazione, propp. XVIII, XX, XXIX-XL; parte V: prefazione, propp. I-XIV)
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
1. Diderot, Scritti filosofici, Milano, SE, 2016 (only: Interpretazione della natura, Colloquio fra d'Alembert e Diderot, Il sogno di d'Alembert, Seguito del colloquio)
Readings and assignments for non attending students:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1. G. Cambiano-M. Mori-L. Fonnesu, Storia della filosofia occidentale , vol. 3 (only chapters on Cartesio, Hobbes, Locke, Spinoza, Leibniz, l'illuminismo francese)
3rd year students will study E. Cassirer, La filosofia dell'Illuminismo, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 1998 (only chapters I -II)
2. Reading materials available on https://ariel.unimi.it/ (History of philosophy M-Z)
3. Spinoza, Etica dimostrata con metodo geometrico, a cura di E. Giancotti, Roma, Editori Riuniti, 2019 /oppure Milano, Pgreco, 2010 (only: parte seconda, assiomi, propp. VII-XIII; parte terza prefazione, definizioni, postulati, propp. I-XXXVI; parte quarta: prefazione, propp. XVIII, XX, XXIX-XL; parte V: prefazione, propp. I-XIV)
4. E. Scribano, Guida alla lettura dell'Etica di Spinoza, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2008 (cap. II, cap. III: pp. 89-102; pp. 142-150)
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
1. Diderot, Scritti filosofici, Milano, SE, 2016 (only: Interpretazione della natura, Colloquio fra d'Alembert e Diderot, Il sogno di d'Alembert, Seguito del colloquio)
Assessment methods and Criteria
Evaluation: Oral. The final exam consists in an oral interview, which is mandatory for all students, whether they are attending or not attending the classes. The interview will test the knowledge and skills acquired by students.
The first part of the exam will cover the assigned chapters of the handbooks of the history of philosophy and the related material in Ariel. Then the student will be required to read and critically discuss short sections of the texts indicated in the course reference list. On this basis, other questions will follow to discuss the course topics.
The grading system for the final exam is based on a 0-30 scale, 18 being the lowest passing mark both for the 9 ECTS and the 6 ETCS programs.
Evaluation criteria:
-knowledge of the history of philosophy concerning sources, contexts, authors, works, periodizations (exposition)
- ability to exemplify concepts (understanding)
- ability to make connections between concepts, and interpret texts to find solutions by applying the learned concepts (development)
- ability to communicate the philosophical concepts discussed in the course
The first part of the exam will cover the assigned chapters of the handbooks of the history of philosophy and the related material in Ariel. Then the student will be required to read and critically discuss short sections of the texts indicated in the course reference list. On this basis, other questions will follow to discuss the course topics.
The grading system for the final exam is based on a 0-30 scale, 18 being the lowest passing mark both for the 9 ECTS and the 6 ETCS programs.
Evaluation criteria:
-knowledge of the history of philosophy concerning sources, contexts, authors, works, periodizations (exposition)
- ability to exemplify concepts (understanding)
- ability to make connections between concepts, and interpret texts to find solutions by applying the learned concepts (development)
- ability to communicate the philosophical concepts discussed in the course
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
B (A-L)
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
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:
Wendesday 09.30a.m. - 12.30 a.m.
In the office and on Microsoft Teams, Team "Ricevimento SDB" . Access Code: ourk7ks