History of Political Philosophy (MA)
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide students with the theoretical and methodological tools of the history of political philosophy. The student will be able to deal with the texts of the history of political philosophy in a rigorous and critical way; s/he will be able to recognize the main rhetorical devices and the conceptual structures at work in them; s/he will master those interdisciplinary skills necessary for the formulation of an autonomous critical judgment on the texts and their interpretation. The student will acquire the ability to apply the knowledge gained in the study of the history of political philosophy to the rethinking of contemporary political problems.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student:
1. masters in-depth knowledge of the theories and the themes dealt in the history of political philosophy, and can identify and discuss their crucial points;
2. surely masters the argumentative forms, concepts, and theoretical meaning of the texts in the history of political philosophy;
3. understands the diversity of interpretations to which texts in political philosophy are subjected in different historical, cultural and linguistic contexts;
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student:
1. Can critically apply the knowledge acquired studying specific texts and authors to the historical understanding and philosophical contextualization of other works and thinkers;
2. Can confidently and autonomously apply the acquired understanding of interpretations to texts and problems different from those previously studied;
3. Can surely master the methodological resources and bibliographic tools of political-philosophical research and s/he is able to produce original research, to discuss the results acquired.
At the end of the course, the student:
1. masters in-depth knowledge of the theories and the themes dealt in the history of political philosophy, and can identify and discuss their crucial points;
2. surely masters the argumentative forms, concepts, and theoretical meaning of the texts in the history of political philosophy;
3. understands the diversity of interpretations to which texts in political philosophy are subjected in different historical, cultural and linguistic contexts;
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student:
1. Can critically apply the knowledge acquired studying specific texts and authors to the historical understanding and philosophical contextualization of other works and thinkers;
2. Can confidently and autonomously apply the acquired understanding of interpretations to texts and problems different from those previously studied;
3. Can surely master the methodological resources and bibliographic tools of political-philosophical research and s/he is able to produce original research, to discuss the results acquired.
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 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.
The lessons will be held in dual mode. The face-to-face lessons will allow the participation of students connected with MSTeams as well as students in the classroom.
The recordings of the lessons will remain available until the Monday of the following week.
Online environments used: Ariel https://msimonazzisfplm.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
Teams (keycode in Ariel)
Students wishing to participate in face-to-face lessons must refer to the following University provisions: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/teaching-activities-campus
Students wishing to participate in MSTeams lessons must refer to the following technical guides: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/technology-and-online-services/microsoft-office-365-education
To participate in the exam sessions, students must refer to the following provisions:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/sitting-exams
The lessons will be held in dual mode. The face-to-face lessons will allow the participation of students connected with MSTeams as well as students in the classroom.
The recordings of the lessons will remain available until the Monday of the following week.
Online environments used: Ariel https://msimonazzisfplm.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
Teams (keycode in Ariel)
Students wishing to participate in face-to-face lessons must refer to the following University provisions: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/teaching-activities-campus
Students wishing to participate in MSTeams lessons must refer to the following technical guides: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/technology-and-online-services/microsoft-office-365-education
To participate in the exam sessions, students must refer to the following provisions:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/sitting-exams
Course syllabus
The myth of the individual between communitarianism and individualism
The aim of the course is to describe the origin of the idea of the individual in the modern age and to analyse its transformations in the following centuries.
1 Individualism and communitarianism
In the first part of the course we will trace the history of individualism and the history of communitarianism. Then, starting from Tönnies' famous distinction between "Gesellschaft" (society) and "Gemeinschaft" (community), we will analyse the objections that authors such as Charles Taylor, Alasdair MacIntyre and Michael Sandel have made to the liberal tradition's conception of human nature.
2 Images of the Individual: from Homo Oeconomicus to Contemporary Narcissistic Man
In the second part of the course we will see how the idea of the individual developed within the political tradition between the 18th and 19th centuries. We will read and comment on some pages from Bernard Mandeville's The Fable of the Bees and Tocqueville's Democracy in America. Through these works we will see the emergence of a new way of understanding the relationship between the individual and society. In addition, we will analyze the development of individualism within modern democracies and its effects on the political and social level. In particular, we will investigate the emergence of the culture of narcissism.
3 Rethinking the Individual in the 21st Century
In the last part of the course, we will analyze the transformations that individualism is undergoing under the influence of neoliberal ideology and the new digital media. Finally, we will try to outline a new form of individualism based on solidarity.
The aim of the course is to describe the origin of the idea of the individual in the modern age and to analyse its transformations in the following centuries.
1 Individualism and communitarianism
In the first part of the course we will trace the history of individualism and the history of communitarianism. Then, starting from Tönnies' famous distinction between "Gesellschaft" (society) and "Gemeinschaft" (community), we will analyse the objections that authors such as Charles Taylor, Alasdair MacIntyre and Michael Sandel have made to the liberal tradition's conception of human nature.
2 Images of the Individual: from Homo Oeconomicus to Contemporary Narcissistic Man
In the second part of the course we will see how the idea of the individual developed within the political tradition between the 18th and 19th centuries. We will read and comment on some pages from Bernard Mandeville's The Fable of the Bees and Tocqueville's Democracy in America. Through these works we will see the emergence of a new way of understanding the relationship between the individual and society. In addition, we will analyze the development of individualism within modern democracies and its effects on the political and social level. In particular, we will investigate the emergence of the culture of narcissism.
3 Rethinking the Individual in the 21st Century
In the last part of the course, we will analyze the transformations that individualism is undergoing under the influence of neoliberal ideology and the new digital media. Finally, we will try to outline a new form of individualism based on solidarity.
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required
Teaching methods
Lectures
Debate and discussion
Work Group
Debate and discussion
Work Group
Teaching Resources
Readings and assignments for attending and non-attending students:
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1) A. Laurent, Storia dell'individualismo, Bologna, Il Mulino, 1994.
2) V. Pazé, Il comunitarismo, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2004
3) E. Pulcini, L'individuo senza passioni. Individualismo moderno e perdita del legame sociale, Torino, Bollati Boringhieri, 2001.
4) B. Mandeville, La favola delle api, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 1987 (e ristampe successive), pp. 3-51, pp. 70-79; pp. 132-149; B. Mandeville, Dialoghi tra Orazio e Cleomene, Lecce, Milella, 1978, pp. 67-99; B. Mandeville, La ricerca sull'origine dell'onore e sull'utilità del Cristianesimo in guerra, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 1998, pp. 2-65; A. Tocqueville, La democrazia in America, Torino, Utet, 2013, pp. 585-652
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
5) 5) F. Andolfi, L'individualismo solidale. Tratti storici e fondamenti teorici, in C. Altini (a cura di) Democrazia. Storia e teoria di un'esperienza filosofica e politica, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2011, pp. 103-126; T. Casadei, I dilemmi della comunità. Intorno al comunitarismo contemporaneo, in "La società degli individui", 30, 2007/3, pp. 21-38; S. Petrucciani, Individualismo, socialismo e modernità, in "La società degli individui", 37, 2010/1, pp. 22-30; D. Martuccelli, La sociologia e la singolarità, in "La società degli individui", 60, 2017/3, pp. 141-158.
6) One text of your choice:
- F. Tönnies, Comunità e società, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2011.
- H. Plessner, I limiti della comunità. Per una critica del radicalismo sociale, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2001.
- C. Taylor, Il disagio della modernità, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 1994.
- - E. Pulcini, Tra cura e giustizia. Le passioni come risorsa sociale, Torino, Bollati Boringhieri, 2020.
- W. Ullmann, Individuo e società nel Medioevo, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 1983.
- F.A. von Hayek, Individualismo: quello vero e quello falso, Soveria Mannelli, Rubbettino, 1997.
- L. Dumont, Homo aequalis. Genesi e trionfo dell'ideologia economica, Milano, Adelphi, 1984.
- A.O. Hirschman, Le passioni e gli interessi. Argomenti politici in favore del capitalismo prima del suo trionfo, Milano, Feltrinelli, 1979.
- C. Lasch, La cultura del narcisismo. L'individuo in fuga dal sociale in un'era di disillusioni collettive, Milano, Bompiani, 1981.
- R. Sennett, Il declino dell'uomo pubblico. La società intimista, Milano, Bompiani, 1982.
- J. Dewey, Individualismo vecchio e nuovo, Parma, Diabasis, 2013.
- B.-C. Han, Psicopolitica, Milano, Nottetempo, 2000.
- D. Palano, Bubble Democracy. La fine del pubblico e la nuova polarizzazione, Milano, Scholé, 2020.
- M. Sandel, La tirannia del merito, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2021.
- M. Sandel, Quello che i soldi non possono comprare, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2013.
Non-attending students must supplement the examination program with an additional text: N. Urbinati, "Individualismo democratico", Roma, Donzelli, 1997 (2009).
Slides and other digital resources available on e-learning course: https://msimonazzisfplm.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/Home/
Assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1) A. Laurent, Storia dell'individualismo, Bologna, Il Mulino, 1994.
2) V. Pazé, Il comunitarismo, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2004
3) E. Pulcini, L'individuo senza passioni. Individualismo moderno e perdita del legame sociale, Torino, Bollati Boringhieri, 2001.
4) B. Mandeville, La favola delle api, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 1987 (e ristampe successive), pp. 3-51, pp. 70-79; pp. 132-149; B. Mandeville, Dialoghi tra Orazio e Cleomene, Lecce, Milella, 1978, pp. 67-99; B. Mandeville, La ricerca sull'origine dell'onore e sull'utilità del Cristianesimo in guerra, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 1998, pp. 2-65; A. Tocqueville, La democrazia in America, Torino, Utet, 2013, pp. 585-652
Additional assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
5) 5) F. Andolfi, L'individualismo solidale. Tratti storici e fondamenti teorici, in C. Altini (a cura di) Democrazia. Storia e teoria di un'esperienza filosofica e politica, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2011, pp. 103-126; T. Casadei, I dilemmi della comunità. Intorno al comunitarismo contemporaneo, in "La società degli individui", 30, 2007/3, pp. 21-38; S. Petrucciani, Individualismo, socialismo e modernità, in "La società degli individui", 37, 2010/1, pp. 22-30; D. Martuccelli, La sociologia e la singolarità, in "La società degli individui", 60, 2017/3, pp. 141-158.
6) One text of your choice:
- F. Tönnies, Comunità e società, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2011.
- H. Plessner, I limiti della comunità. Per una critica del radicalismo sociale, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2001.
- C. Taylor, Il disagio della modernità, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 1994.
- - E. Pulcini, Tra cura e giustizia. Le passioni come risorsa sociale, Torino, Bollati Boringhieri, 2020.
- W. Ullmann, Individuo e società nel Medioevo, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 1983.
- F.A. von Hayek, Individualismo: quello vero e quello falso, Soveria Mannelli, Rubbettino, 1997.
- L. Dumont, Homo aequalis. Genesi e trionfo dell'ideologia economica, Milano, Adelphi, 1984.
- A.O. Hirschman, Le passioni e gli interessi. Argomenti politici in favore del capitalismo prima del suo trionfo, Milano, Feltrinelli, 1979.
- C. Lasch, La cultura del narcisismo. L'individuo in fuga dal sociale in un'era di disillusioni collettive, Milano, Bompiani, 1981.
- R. Sennett, Il declino dell'uomo pubblico. La società intimista, Milano, Bompiani, 1982.
- J. Dewey, Individualismo vecchio e nuovo, Parma, Diabasis, 2013.
- B.-C. Han, Psicopolitica, Milano, Nottetempo, 2000.
- D. Palano, Bubble Democracy. La fine del pubblico e la nuova polarizzazione, Milano, Scholé, 2020.
- M. Sandel, La tirannia del merito, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2021.
- M. Sandel, Quello che i soldi non possono comprare, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2013.
Non-attending students must supplement the examination program with an additional text: N. Urbinati, "Individualismo democratico", Roma, Donzelli, 1997 (2009).
Slides and other digital resources available on e-learning course: https://msimonazzisfplm.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/Home/
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a preliminary written test, on a subject to be agreed upon, to be handed in to the professor at least two weeks before the oral examination. The oral examination consists of an interview on the topics and texts provided by the program, aimed at ascertaining the comprehension of the texts, a thorough knowledge of the main conceptual contributions of the history of political philosophy and the ability to approach the issues of a general nature adopting the appropriate methodological perspectives. The student must show that he is able to discuss the arguments of the various authors using a suitable vocabulary and to know how to orient himself within the bibliographic apparatus of reference in the historical-political field.
Students who follow the course will have the opportunity to take part of the exam through exercises, lectures and group work.
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the topics discusses during the course (exposition);
- ability to exemplify concepts (understanding);
- autonomy of judgement, capacity of use and apply concepts (development);
- communication skills and the adequacy of language.
Students who follow the course will have the opportunity to take part of the exam through exercises, lectures and group work.
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the topics discusses during the course (exposition);
- ability to exemplify concepts (understanding);
- autonomy of judgement, capacity of use and apply concepts (development);
- communication skills and the adequacy of language.
Unita' didattica A
SPS/02 - HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
SPS/02 - HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
SPS/02 - HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Office hours: Thursday, 4.30 pm-7.30 pm via Teams, with prior appointment by email.
Cortile della Ghiacciaia, first floor, or Microsoft Teams.