Theoretical Philosophy
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course has the goal to discuss in depth problems in the general area of theoretical philosophy, focusing not just on the different forms of human experience, on the theories of mind, on the origin and structure of notions, stressing the connections with other disciplines, both scientific (psychology, biology, etc) and not (literature, visual arts) ‒ thereby helping students to develop their analytical skills and recognize the connections between philosophical research and the world of culture in general.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the study path, the student:
- knows the theoretical fundamentals of contemporary philosophy and understands its vocabulary;
- understands the nature of philosophical problems;
- understands the nature and strength of philosophical arguments;
- knows the basic methodological elements of intellectual work in the field of theoretical philosophy,
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the study path, the student:
- can put forward and outline the main conceptual contributions of theoretical philosophy
- is able to identify philosophical topics and problems in philosophical and non-philosophical contexts;
- can frame the key authors and related themes in a historical and contemporary perspective ù
- is able to support her /his claims with arguments;
- can approach general issues by adopting the appropriate methodological perspectives and discuss the
arguments of various authors making use of an adequate lexicon.
- can apply knowledge for the purpose of making comments to the texts pertaining to the discipline.
At the end of the study path, the student:
- knows the theoretical fundamentals of contemporary philosophy and understands its vocabulary;
- understands the nature of philosophical problems;
- understands the nature and strength of philosophical arguments;
- knows the basic methodological elements of intellectual work in the field of theoretical philosophy,
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the study path, the student:
- can put forward and outline the main conceptual contributions of theoretical philosophy
- is able to identify philosophical topics and problems in philosophical and non-philosophical contexts;
- can frame the key authors and related themes in a historical and contemporary perspective ù
- is able to support her /his claims with arguments;
- can approach general issues by adopting the appropriate methodological perspectives and discuss the
arguments of various authors making use of an adequate lexicon.
- can apply knowledge for the purpose of making comments to the texts pertaining to the discipline.
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)
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
The course will be online. The greatest part of the lessons will be attended exclusively by an online audience: remote users will be able to participate in using Microsoft teams. To participate in the virtual class, students have to type the access code
s4ol734
A short number of lessons (about 12 hours) will consist of audio files, texts, slides. Non-synchronous lessons will recap stuff and arguments of the synchronous lessons. Every week students will find on the ariel web page of the course a short self-assessment questionnaire to check their knowledge and comprehension. All lessons (as well as texts, slides,...) will be put at disposal on the ariel web page of the course (https://pspiniccift.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx)..
Exam program, as well as readings and assignments for students, will not change.
Unless otherwise indicated, exams will take place online
s4ol734
A short number of lessons (about 12 hours) will consist of audio files, texts, slides. Non-synchronous lessons will recap stuff and arguments of the synchronous lessons. Every week students will find on the ariel web page of the course a short self-assessment questionnaire to check their knowledge and comprehension. All lessons (as well as texts, slides,...) will be put at disposal on the ariel web page of the course (https://pspiniccift.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx)..
Exam program, as well as readings and assignments for students, will not change.
Unless otherwise indicated, exams will take place online
Course syllabus
aim of the class is to understand the relation between on the one hand epic, myth and tragedy and, on the other, fiction and critical understanding. It is an important topic in the contemporary debate and it allows to focus on
- some classic works in philosophy and some recent interpretations about the relation between fiction and belief;
- some important philosophical topics (imagination vs belief; myth vs philosophy);
- the methods and forms of philosophical analysis.
In particular, the course will try to
- clarify the nature of fictional narrativity, both in its functions and meaning;
- to discuss and analyze the logic of stories and the relation between fiction and belief;
- to cast a glance on the relation between religious "belief" and fictional narrativity, indulging particularly on the myths about the "end of the world".
- some classic works in philosophy and some recent interpretations about the relation between fiction and belief;
- some important philosophical topics (imagination vs belief; myth vs philosophy);
- the methods and forms of philosophical analysis.
In particular, the course will try to
- clarify the nature of fictional narrativity, both in its functions and meaning;
- to discuss and analyze the logic of stories and the relation between fiction and belief;
- to cast a glance on the relation between religious "belief" and fictional narrativity, indulging particularly on the myths about the "end of the world".
Prerequisites for admission
Prior knowledge is not requested, except what is required for the admission to the Degree Course in Philosophy.
Teaching methods
Lectures
Debate and discussion
Debate and discussion
Teaching Resources
Readings and assignments:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
- Aristotele, La poetica, Einaudi Torino 2008 (or other editions);
- P. Spinicci, Itaca, infine, Mimesis, Milano 2016;
- one text among the followings: J. Gottschall, L'istinto di narrare, Boringhieri Bollati, Torino 2005 oppure B. Boyd, On the Origin of stories, HUP, 2009;
- one text among the followings: A. Bernardelli, R. Cesarani, Il testo narrativo, Il Mulino, Bologna 2005; K. Hamburger, Logica della letteratura, Pendragon, 2015; D. Herman, Story Logic, Nebraska University press, 2004, pp. 1-207; P. Spinicci, Lezioni sul concetto di immaginazione, Cuem, Milano 2009, pp. 131-310.
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
- A. Ichino, Credo in un solo Dio o lo immagino?, Cortina, Milano 2021
- E. De Martino, La fine del mondo. Contributo all'analisi delle apocalissi culturali, Einaudi, Torino 2019.
Lessons, texts, and materials made available on the ariel-web page of the course are part of the exam program.
Eventual changes in the exam program will be announced in the ariel-web page of the course. Students are kindly requested to consult the ariel-we page frequently.
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
- Aristotele, La poetica, Einaudi Torino 2008 (or other editions);
- P. Spinicci, Itaca, infine, Mimesis, Milano 2016;
- one text among the followings: J. Gottschall, L'istinto di narrare, Boringhieri Bollati, Torino 2005 oppure B. Boyd, On the Origin of stories, HUP, 2009;
- one text among the followings: A. Bernardelli, R. Cesarani, Il testo narrativo, Il Mulino, Bologna 2005; K. Hamburger, Logica della letteratura, Pendragon, 2015; D. Herman, Story Logic, Nebraska University press, 2004, pp. 1-207; P. Spinicci, Lezioni sul concetto di immaginazione, Cuem, Milano 2009, pp. 131-310.
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
- A. Ichino, Credo in un solo Dio o lo immagino?, Cortina, Milano 2021
- E. De Martino, La fine del mondo. Contributo all'analisi delle apocalissi culturali, Einaudi, Torino 2019.
Lessons, texts, and materials made available on the ariel-web page of the course are part of the exam program.
Eventual changes in the exam program will be announced in the ariel-web page of the course. Students are kindly requested to consult the ariel-we page frequently.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Both for attending and non-attending students, the final examination consists of an oral exam of about 30 minutes, divided into two equal parts. The first part has to test the knowledge and the understanding of the program., where the second part has to text the ability to analyze and discuss short quotes from the readings of the examination program.
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the topics discusses during the course (exposition);
- ability to exemplify concepts (understanding);
- ability to apply concepts (development);
- linguistic skills
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the topics discusses during the course (exposition);
- ability to exemplify concepts (understanding);
- ability to apply concepts (development);
- linguistic skills
Unita' didattica A
M-FIL/01 - THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-FIL/01 - THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-FIL/01 - THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
(B)
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
During the ongoing covid emergency, the course syllabus will be maintained with the following changes made to enhance the effectiveness of the online version of the course, which was originally designed for face-to-face teaching.
Online environments used:
Ariel: https://rfabbrichesift.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
MSTeams: code available on Ariel https://rfabbrichesift.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
Teaching methods:
Classes will be held according to the following risk scenarios:
- maximum severity (red zone): classes will be held only remotely in synchronous mode (using MSTeams)
- high severity (orange zone): lessons will be held in mixed mode, partly in person and partly online. the face-to-face lessons will allow the participation of students connected with MSTeams as well as students in the classroom. Online lessons will be held synchronously (using MSTeams)
- severity (yellow zone): classes will be held according with the orange zone guidelines and, if conditions allow, the number of lessons on campus will be increased.
The calendar of in person lessons and updates will be published on the online course platform.
Learning assessment procedures and evaluation criteria:
The exam is oral and is held on MSTeams in any emergency situation, whether yellow, orange or red zone, in compliance with the guidelines provided by the University. The online course on Arielwill make available constantly updated details about the oral examination sessions that will be held over several days.
Students wishing to participate in face-to-face lessons must refer to the following University provisions: https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/frequentare-un-corso-di-laurea/seguire-il-percorso-di-studi/didattica-presenza
Students wishing to participate in MSTeams lessons must refer to the following technical guides: https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/servizi-gli-studenti/servizi-tecnologici-e-online/microsoft-office-365-education
To participate in the exam sessions, students must refer to the following provisions: https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/frequentare-un-corso-di-laurea/seguire-il-percorso-di-studi/esami/esami-distanza-faq-gli-student
Online environments used:
Ariel: https://rfabbrichesift.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
MSTeams: code available on Ariel https://rfabbrichesift.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
Teaching methods:
Classes will be held according to the following risk scenarios:
- maximum severity (red zone): classes will be held only remotely in synchronous mode (using MSTeams)
- high severity (orange zone): lessons will be held in mixed mode, partly in person and partly online. the face-to-face lessons will allow the participation of students connected with MSTeams as well as students in the classroom. Online lessons will be held synchronously (using MSTeams)
- severity (yellow zone): classes will be held according with the orange zone guidelines and, if conditions allow, the number of lessons on campus will be increased.
The calendar of in person lessons and updates will be published on the online course platform.
Learning assessment procedures and evaluation criteria:
The exam is oral and is held on MSTeams in any emergency situation, whether yellow, orange or red zone, in compliance with the guidelines provided by the University. The online course on Arielwill make available constantly updated details about the oral examination sessions that will be held over several days.
Students wishing to participate in face-to-face lessons must refer to the following University provisions: https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/frequentare-un-corso-di-laurea/seguire-il-percorso-di-studi/didattica-presenza
Students wishing to participate in MSTeams lessons must refer to the following technical guides: https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/servizi-gli-studenti/servizi-tecnologici-e-online/microsoft-office-365-education
To participate in the exam sessions, students must refer to the following provisions: https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/frequentare-un-corso-di-laurea/seguire-il-percorso-di-studi/esami/esami-distanza-faq-gli-student
Course syllabus
Aim of the class is to understand the relation between on the one hand epic, myth and tragedy and, on the other, fiction and critical understanding. It is an important topic in the contemporary debate and it allows to focus on
- some classic works in philosophy and some recent interpretations about the relation between fiction and belief;
- some important philosophical topics (imagination vs belief; myth vs philosophy);
- the methods and forms of philosophical analysis.
The edition will develop into three parts: in the first one, three different philosophical readings of the Iliad will be compared (Nietzsche, Weil, Bespaloff); in the second one, the focus will be on two notable philologists' expositions regarding the figure of Dyonisus. In the third and final part, we'll focus on Nietzsche's dissertation on the Dyonisus-Apolllus dyad and on the origin of tragedy.
- some classic works in philosophy and some recent interpretations about the relation between fiction and belief;
- some important philosophical topics (imagination vs belief; myth vs philosophy);
- the methods and forms of philosophical analysis.
The edition will develop into three parts: in the first one, three different philosophical readings of the Iliad will be compared (Nietzsche, Weil, Bespaloff); in the second one, the focus will be on two notable philologists' expositions regarding the figure of Dyonisus. In the third and final part, we'll focus on Nietzsche's dissertation on the Dyonisus-Apolllus dyad and on the origin of tragedy.
Prerequisites for admission
None, unless required by the Philosophy Course general rules
Teaching methods
Lectures.
Discussions, debate and replies to questions.
During the emergency phase, the different methodologies will formally take place as it is stated, whereas the class topic will stay the same.
Discussions, debate and replies to questions.
During the emergency phase, the different methodologies will formally take place as it is stated, whereas the class topic will stay the same.
Teaching Resources
Readings for attending students (9 ECTS).
S. Weil, L'Iliade poema della forza (any publisher)
R. Bespaloff, Sull'Iliade, Milano, Adelphi.
F. Nietzsche, Agone omerico in La filosofia nell'epoca tragica dei greci, Milano, Adelphi
K. Kerényi, Dioniso. Archetipo della vita indistruttibile. Milano, Adelphi, (a general reading of the second part of the volume is suggested, with specific reference to pp.133-141, pp.183-302)..
G. Colli, La sapienza greca, Vol. I, Milano, Adelphi, Capp. "Introduzione", "Dioniso", "Apollo"
.F. Nietzsche, La filosofia nell'epoca tragica dei greci e scritti 1870-73, Milano, Adelphi
F. Nietzsche, La nascita della tragedia dallo spirito della musica (any edition; suggested: V. Vitiello ed.,Bruno Mondadori).
Non-attending students will add the volume R. Fabbrichesi, Cosa si fa quando si fa filosofia, Milano, Cortina.
Readings for attending students (6 ECTS):
K. Kerényi, Dioniso. Archetipo della vita indistruttibile. Milano, Adelphi, ( (a general reading of the second part of the volume is suggested, with specific reference to pp.133-141, pp.183-302).
G. Colli, La Sapienza greca, Vol. I, Milano, Adelphi, Capp. "Introduzione", "Dioniso", "Apollo"
F. Nietzsche, La filosofia nell'epoca tragica dei greci e scritti 1870-73, Milano, Adelphi
F. Nietzsche, La nascita della tragedia dallo spirito della musica (any edition; suggested: Bruno Mondadori).
Non-attending students will add the volume R. Fabbrichesi, Cosa si fa quando si fa filosofia, Milano, Cortina
S. Weil, L'Iliade poema della forza (any publisher)
R. Bespaloff, Sull'Iliade, Milano, Adelphi.
F. Nietzsche, Agone omerico in La filosofia nell'epoca tragica dei greci, Milano, Adelphi
K. Kerényi, Dioniso. Archetipo della vita indistruttibile. Milano, Adelphi, (a general reading of the second part of the volume is suggested, with specific reference to pp.133-141, pp.183-302)..
G. Colli, La sapienza greca, Vol. I, Milano, Adelphi, Capp. "Introduzione", "Dioniso", "Apollo"
.F. Nietzsche, La filosofia nell'epoca tragica dei greci e scritti 1870-73, Milano, Adelphi
F. Nietzsche, La nascita della tragedia dallo spirito della musica (any edition; suggested: V. Vitiello ed.,Bruno Mondadori).
Non-attending students will add the volume R. Fabbrichesi, Cosa si fa quando si fa filosofia, Milano, Cortina.
Readings for attending students (6 ECTS):
K. Kerényi, Dioniso. Archetipo della vita indistruttibile. Milano, Adelphi, ( (a general reading of the second part of the volume is suggested, with specific reference to pp.133-141, pp.183-302).
G. Colli, La Sapienza greca, Vol. I, Milano, Adelphi, Capp. "Introduzione", "Dioniso", "Apollo"
F. Nietzsche, La filosofia nell'epoca tragica dei greci e scritti 1870-73, Milano, Adelphi
F. Nietzsche, La nascita della tragedia dallo spirito della musica (any edition; suggested: Bruno Mondadori).
Non-attending students will add the volume R. Fabbrichesi, Cosa si fa quando si fa filosofia, Milano, Cortina
Assessment methods and Criteria
Both for attending and non-attending students, the final examination consists of an oral exam of about 30 minutes, divided into two equal parts. The first part has to test the knowledge and the understanding of the program., whereas the second part has to test the ability to analyze and discuss short quotes from the readings of the examination program.
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the topics discussed during the course (exposition);
- ability to exemplify concepts (understanding);
- ability to apply concepts (development);
- linguistic skills,
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the topics discussed during the course (exposition);
- ability to exemplify concepts (understanding);
- ability to apply concepts (development);
- linguistic skills,
Unita' didattica A
M-FIL/01 - THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-FIL/01 - THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-FIL/01 - THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)