History of Ancient Philosophy
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
This is a course in History of Ancient Philosophy (M-FIL/07). A first objective of the course is to develop a systematic and in-depth knowledge of ancient philosophy from the beginnings to late antiquity through a critical engagement with both primary texts and the relevant secondary literature. A second objective is the promotion of a historically accurate, and theoretically sophisticated, understanding of the primary texts (if possible, in their original Greek or Latin language). A third and final objective of the course consists in the study of the subsequent reception of the primary texts and the formation of the various philosophical traditions. Each tradition can be usefully regarded as a distinct style of philosophy dealing with specific philosophical problems.
Expected learning outcomes
2. Anticipated Learning Outcomes
a. Knowledge and Understanding
At the end of the course, the student will be able to engage critically with an ancient philosophical text. The student will also master the different styles of ancient philosophy through a study of the philosophical problems that present themselves within each philosophical tradition. Last but not least, the student will be able to consolidate their ability to communicate the knowledge acquired in the field of ancient philosophy.
b. Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding
At the end of the course, the student will be able to apply the historical, philological, and philosophical skills acquired in the study of ancient philosophy to authors and texts that are central to the history of philosophy beyond the narrow boundaries of ancient philosophy. The student will also be able to apply the exegetical skills acquired in the study of the ancient philosophical traditions to the study of problems that are still relevant to our philosophical agenda.
a. Knowledge and Understanding
At the end of the course, the student will be able to engage critically with an ancient philosophical text. The student will also master the different styles of ancient philosophy through a study of the philosophical problems that present themselves within each philosophical tradition. Last but not least, the student will be able to consolidate their ability to communicate the knowledge acquired in the field of ancient philosophy.
b. Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding
At the end of the course, the student will be able to apply the historical, philological, and philosophical skills acquired in the study of ancient philosophy to authors and texts that are central to the history of philosophy beyond the narrow boundaries of ancient philosophy. The student will also be able to apply the exegetical skills acquired in the study of the ancient philosophical traditions to the study of problems that are still relevant to our philosophical agenda.
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
The Aristotelian corpus includes three ethical collections: the Nicomachean Ethics (NE), the Eudemian Ethics (EE), and the Great Ethics (also known as Magna Moralia, MM). They cover the same ground. In other words, we have three ethical collections but only one ethical theory. We will study the main lines of Aristotle's ethical theory by engaging in a close reading of the Eudemian Ethics.
Prerequisites for admission
None. The language of instruction is English
Teaching methods
The teaching method will consist in a combination of frontal lectures (mostly devoted to explicating the primary texts) and classroom discussion.
Teaching Resources
Aristotle, The Eudemian Ethics. A new translation by Anthony Kenny. First Published in 2011.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Attending students can choose between the following options:
Option 1: The final grade is determined by a term essay. The essay must be in the range of 5,000-6,000 words (bibliography excluded). It must be in English. The student must engage in a close study of one or more aspects of the primary texts discussed in class. The title and the topic of the term essay must be discussed in advance with the instructor. Once a title and a topic are firmed up, they cannot be changed. There will be no exceptions to the rule. Please do not ask for one.
Option 2: The final graded is determined by two short essays. In this case, each essay is worth 50% of the final grade. Each term essay must be in the range of 3,000-3,500 words. Each essay must be in English. It must engage in a close study and discussion of one or more aspects of the primary texts discussed in class. The title and the topic of each essay must be discussed in advance with the instructor. Once a title and a topic are firmed up, they cannot be changed. There will be no exceptions to the rule. Please do not ask for one.
Presentation (not for credit but mandatory): Attending students shall present in class on a day and time arranged at the beginning of the semester at least once. The presentation shall focus on the required additional readings. The topic of the presentation must be discussed in advanced with the Instructor. Failure to present in class will result in a penalization (10% of the final grade; 03/30).
By "attending student" I mean a student who has attended at least 2/3 of the course (40 hours).
Non-attending students
Non-attending students shall write an exam as well as a term essay in the range of 5,000-6,000 words (bibliography excluded). Both the exam and the essay must be written in English.
Exam: The exam must be written 48 hours before the official examination begins. The student will have 2.5 hours to complete the exam. The exam will consist of a combination of short-answer questions and questions that require a short essay (at least 500 words). The exam will be on the primary sources as well as the additional required readings.
Term essay: The student must engage in a close study of one or more aspects of the primary texts discussed in class. The title and the topic of the term essay must be discussed in advance with the instructor. Once a title and a topic are firmed up, they cannot be changed. There will be no exceptions to the rule. Please do not ask for one.
Option 1: The final grade is determined by a term essay. The essay must be in the range of 5,000-6,000 words (bibliography excluded). It must be in English. The student must engage in a close study of one or more aspects of the primary texts discussed in class. The title and the topic of the term essay must be discussed in advance with the instructor. Once a title and a topic are firmed up, they cannot be changed. There will be no exceptions to the rule. Please do not ask for one.
Option 2: The final graded is determined by two short essays. In this case, each essay is worth 50% of the final grade. Each term essay must be in the range of 3,000-3,500 words. Each essay must be in English. It must engage in a close study and discussion of one or more aspects of the primary texts discussed in class. The title and the topic of each essay must be discussed in advance with the instructor. Once a title and a topic are firmed up, they cannot be changed. There will be no exceptions to the rule. Please do not ask for one.
Presentation (not for credit but mandatory): Attending students shall present in class on a day and time arranged at the beginning of the semester at least once. The presentation shall focus on the required additional readings. The topic of the presentation must be discussed in advanced with the Instructor. Failure to present in class will result in a penalization (10% of the final grade; 03/30).
By "attending student" I mean a student who has attended at least 2/3 of the course (40 hours).
Non-attending students
Non-attending students shall write an exam as well as a term essay in the range of 5,000-6,000 words (bibliography excluded). Both the exam and the essay must be written in English.
Exam: The exam must be written 48 hours before the official examination begins. The student will have 2.5 hours to complete the exam. The exam will consist of a combination of short-answer questions and questions that require a short essay (at least 500 words). The exam will be on the primary sources as well as the additional required readings.
Term essay: The student must engage in a close study of one or more aspects of the primary texts discussed in class. The title and the topic of the term essay must be discussed in advance with the instructor. Once a title and a topic are firmed up, they cannot be changed. There will be no exceptions to the rule. Please do not ask for one.
M-FIL/07 - HISTORY OF ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Falcon Andrea
Professor(s)
Reception:
Fridays 17:00-20:00. Please be in touch by email (no later than 13:00, on Friday) to arrange for a meeting on MS Teams.. No office hours in August
Microsoft Teams