History of Contemporary Philosophy
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the students with substantial basic knowledge of the vocabulary, the notions and the main claims of prominent writers in philosophy from the 18th to the 20th century through the close examination of their texts and related debates.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- knows the fundamental aspects of the history of contemporary philosophy
- has gained has a secure knowledge of the texts under scrutiny and their philosophical substance,
- understands the transformations of concepts and argumentative forms over time, and the various interpretations of the texts under scrutiny,
- has a proficient knowledge of the resources and methodological tools of the historical-philosophical research.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the study path, the graduate
- Can apply the knowledge that s/he has acquired in reading a philosophical text,
- Can apply the knowledge that s/he has acquired in framing authors, texts and debates in their philosophical context,
- Can apply the understanding of concepts and argumentative forms to the analysis of problems and to the discussion of competing views,
Can apply the methodological cognitions s/he has gained and the bibliographical resources in writing a short scientific paper on topics from the history of philosophy
At the end of the course, the student
- knows the fundamental aspects of the history of contemporary philosophy
- has gained has a secure knowledge of the texts under scrutiny and their philosophical substance,
- understands the transformations of concepts and argumentative forms over time, and the various interpretations of the texts under scrutiny,
- has a proficient knowledge of the resources and methodological tools of the historical-philosophical research.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the study path, the graduate
- Can apply the knowledge that s/he has acquired in reading a philosophical text,
- Can apply the knowledge that s/he has acquired in framing authors, texts and debates in their philosophical context,
- Can apply the understanding of concepts and argumentative forms to the analysis of problems and to the discussion of competing views,
Can apply the methodological cognitions s/he has gained and the bibliographical resources in writing a short scientific paper on topics from the history of philosophy
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
During the emergency phase, the course will be delivered in a synchronous / asynchronous mixed mode. The asynchronous lessons consist of videolessons available on the Ariel webpage and the synchronous lessons have a seminarial nature and provide discussions and insights on the topics addressed by the asynchronous lessons, previously uploaded to Ariel. The synchronous lessons will be held on Microsoft Teams. Also on Ariel will be made available: the lesson plan with the division between synchronous / asynchronous lessons, asynchronous videolessons with powerpoint presentation and audio / video commentary, readings in pdf, recordings of the synchronous lesson held on Teams. The exam is oral and is held on Teams, according to the indications provided by the University. On the Ariel webpage, the details and calendars of the oral examinations are published and constantly updated.
Course syllabus
The course aims to follow a synthetic path from Kant to post-analytical philosophy on the development of the notions of "category" and "a priori". The history of the notion of analyticity and the importance of categories in the constitution of reality between Kantian heritage and post-Kantian debate will be presented, with particular attention to Herbart and the reading of the notion of existence proposed by Heidegger. A moment of analysis will be devoted to neo-empiricism and to the criticism of the Kantian notion of "a priori analyticity" in Carnap, to conclude with the criticism of the notion of "analyticity" in general in Quine. Finally, the most recent developments will be discussed, dedicating some space to contemporary neopragmatism with the notion of "categorical relativity" in Putnam and Rorty, to show a positive (Putnam) and a negative (Rorty) reading of the Kantian heritage. .
Prerequisites for admission
A good knowledge of the history of modern philosophy is desirable, especially with regard to Kant and the debate on Kantianism.
Teaching methods
Videolessons (asynchronous) with powerpoint presentation and audio / video commentary, seminars (synchronous) with discussions and insights on the topics addressed by the videolessons, previously uploaded to Ariel, readings in pdf.
Teaching Resources
BIBLIOGRAPHY COMMON TO THE 6 AND 9 CFU EXAM [ATTENDING STUDENTS]:
a) GENERAL PART: M. Ferrari, Categorie e a priori, Il Mulino, 2003, only the following parts: cap. 1: "La svolta kantiana", pp. 15-55; cap.2: "Dopo Kant", solo i §§ 1-2 pp. 59-68; cap. 3: "Da Herbart a Lotze"; cap. 5: "Il neokantismo", pp. 135-164; cap. 8: "Filosofia scientifica ed empirismo logico" [the book is freely accessible as an e-book from the university library system]
b) READINGS [available in pdf among the course materials]: J.F. Herbart, Punti principali della metafisica, a cura di R. Pettoello, Mimesis esclusivamente le pp. 59-72; M. Heidegger, "Le tesi di Kant sull'essere", in Segnavia, a cura di F.-W. von Herrmann, ed. it. a cura di F. Volpi, Adelphi, Milano 1987, pp. 393-427; R. Carnap, "Empirismo, semantica e ontologia", in Significato e necessità, a cura di F. Priore, presentazione di A. Pasquinelli, trad. it. di A. Berra, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 1976; W.V. Quine, "Due dogmi dell'empirismo", in W.V. Quine, Da un punto di vista logico. Saggi logico-filosofici, a cura di P. Valore, Cortina, Milano 2004, pp. 35-65.
ADDITIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR THE 9 CFU EXAM [ATTENDING STUDENTS]:
a) GENERAL PART: M. Ferrari, Categorie e a priori, Il Mulino, 2003, only the following part: cap. 7: "Il pragmatismo"; cap. 9: "Aspetti della tradizione analitica" [the book is freely accessible as an e-book from the university library system]
b) READINGS [available in pdf among the course materials]: H. Putnam, Ragione, verità e storia, Il Saggiatore, Milano 1989, only pp. 3-27; R. Rorty, La filosofia e lo specchio della natura, a cura di G. Millone e R. Salizzoni, Bompiani, Milano 1986, only chapter 8-
Students who cannot actively participate in synchronous lessons are required to add the FULL volume: M. Ferrari, Categories and a priori, Il Mulino, 2003
a) GENERAL PART: M. Ferrari, Categorie e a priori, Il Mulino, 2003, only the following parts: cap. 1: "La svolta kantiana", pp. 15-55; cap.2: "Dopo Kant", solo i §§ 1-2 pp. 59-68; cap. 3: "Da Herbart a Lotze"; cap. 5: "Il neokantismo", pp. 135-164; cap. 8: "Filosofia scientifica ed empirismo logico" [the book is freely accessible as an e-book from the university library system]
b) READINGS [available in pdf among the course materials]: J.F. Herbart, Punti principali della metafisica, a cura di R. Pettoello, Mimesis esclusivamente le pp. 59-72; M. Heidegger, "Le tesi di Kant sull'essere", in Segnavia, a cura di F.-W. von Herrmann, ed. it. a cura di F. Volpi, Adelphi, Milano 1987, pp. 393-427; R. Carnap, "Empirismo, semantica e ontologia", in Significato e necessità, a cura di F. Priore, presentazione di A. Pasquinelli, trad. it. di A. Berra, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 1976; W.V. Quine, "Due dogmi dell'empirismo", in W.V. Quine, Da un punto di vista logico. Saggi logico-filosofici, a cura di P. Valore, Cortina, Milano 2004, pp. 35-65.
ADDITIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR THE 9 CFU EXAM [ATTENDING STUDENTS]:
a) GENERAL PART: M. Ferrari, Categorie e a priori, Il Mulino, 2003, only the following part: cap. 7: "Il pragmatismo"; cap. 9: "Aspetti della tradizione analitica" [the book is freely accessible as an e-book from the university library system]
b) READINGS [available in pdf among the course materials]: H. Putnam, Ragione, verità e storia, Il Saggiatore, Milano 1989, only pp. 3-27; R. Rorty, La filosofia e lo specchio della natura, a cura di G. Millone e R. Salizzoni, Bompiani, Milano 1986, only chapter 8-
Students who cannot actively participate in synchronous lessons are required to add the FULL volume: M. Ferrari, Categories and a priori, Il Mulino, 2003
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be the same for all students, regardless of the attendance of synchronous lectures. 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. 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.
Modules or teaching units
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