History of Medieval Philosophy
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide students, through the study of relevant authors and problems, with a general understanding of the history of medieval thought and its contribution to the development of ideas, argumentative forms and philosophical and scientific lexicon. The course also aims to provide students with the cognitive tools that allow them to read critically and comment autonomously on a philosophical text.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- knows the fundamental aspects of the history of Western medieval thought, learning to orient oneself in the historical context, in the traditions, in the problems and in the terminology of a decisive phase of the development of the history of philosophy
- knows the fundamental philosophical lexicon, the literary genres, the argumentative forms of medieval thought
- knows the basic methodological tools of research in the history of philosophy
- understands the relationships connecting the history of Western medieval philosophy to the history of scientific thought, to political history, to society and to theological and religious tradition.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the study path, the student
- can apply the knowledge acquired in the historical context of the authors and texts
- is able to apply the knowledge acquired in vocabulary, argumentation and text analysis to the analysis and interpretation of other texts
- can apply the basic knowledge and reading methods learned in class to other philosophical texts.
At the end of the course, the student
- knows the fundamental aspects of the history of Western medieval thought, learning to orient oneself in the historical context, in the traditions, in the problems and in the terminology of a decisive phase of the development of the history of philosophy
- knows the fundamental philosophical lexicon, the literary genres, the argumentative forms of medieval thought
- knows the basic methodological tools of research in the history of philosophy
- understands the relationships connecting the history of Western medieval philosophy to the history of scientific thought, to political history, to society and to theological and religious tradition.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the study path, the student
- can apply the knowledge acquired in the historical context of the authors and texts
- is able to apply the knowledge acquired in vocabulary, argumentation and text analysis to the analysis and interpretation of other texts
- can apply the basic knowledge and reading methods learned in class to other philosophical texts.
Lesson period: Second 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
[A-K]
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
This course is recommended for students attending the second year of the Philosophy course and to all students of other courses of the University of Milan who are interested in medieval philosophy (6 and 9 ECTS).
It aims at providing
1. an introduction to the most important philosophical traditions and major figures of medieval thought;
2. a thorough reading of a selection of texts of these authors (in Italian translation);
3. a thorough reading of Peter Abelard's Ethics (in Italian translation).
It aims at providing
1. an introduction to the most important philosophical traditions and major figures of medieval thought;
2. a thorough reading of a selection of texts of these authors (in Italian translation);
3. a thorough reading of Peter Abelard's Ethics (in Italian translation).
Prerequisites for admission
There are no prerequisites
Teaching methods
Lectures and debates.
The first and the last lesson will be held in dual mode and recorded:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/channel/19%3aAiycbyNSU6erU-982WgU2abohHx5y-_LLLXNta4GWK01%40thread.tacv2/Generale?groupId=0db07d15-f76f-41c8-b411-8829be3da1ff&tenantId=13b55eef-7018-4674-a3d7-cc0db06d545c
The first and the last lesson will be held in dual mode and recorded:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/channel/19%3aAiycbyNSU6erU-982WgU2abohHx5y-_LLLXNta4GWK01%40thread.tacv2/Generale?groupId=0db07d15-f76f-41c8-b411-8829be3da1ff&tenantId=13b55eef-7018-4674-a3d7-cc0db06d545c
Teaching Resources
Readings and assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1. One of the following handbooks
- La filosofia nel Medioevo, in Filosofia cultura cittadinanza, a cura di A. La Vergata-F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 2011, pp. 438-590 (Il Medioevo, in Filosofia e cultura, a cura di A. La Vergata-F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 2007, pp. 454-481 e pp. 516-689);
- G. Cambiano-L. Fonnesu-M. Mori, Storia della filosofia occidentale. Medioevo e Rinascimento, Il Mulino, Bologna 2014, pp. 17-257.
The use of other high school or university level handbooks must be agreed in advance with the teacher.
2. Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi, C. Marmo, P. Porro, Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004:
Agostino, pp. 15-28
Boezio, pp. 33-45
Pseudo-Dionigi, pp. 47-58
Anselmo e Gaunilone, pp. 107-122
Abelardo, pp. 123-131
Guglielmo di Conches e Adelardo di Bath, pp. 135-149
Bonaventura e Olivi, pp. 201-215
Ruggero Bacone, pp. 228-230
Alberto Magno, pp. 231-245
Sigieri di Brabante e Boezio di Dacia, pp. 247-265
Tommaso d'Aquino, pp. 267-285
Ockham, pp. 353-366
Oresme, pp. 387-396.
Additional readings and assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
1. Pietro Abelardo, Conosci te stesso, o Etica, introduzione, traduzione e note di Mario Dal Pra, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 1976 (available on Ariel)
Additional readings for non-attending students:
1. L. Bianchi, "L'acculturazione filosofica dell'Occidente" e "Le università e il 'decollo scientifico' dell'Occidente" in La filosofia nelle Università: secoli XIII-XIV, a cura di L. Bianchi, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 1997, pp. 1-61 (available on Ariel).
2. J. Jolivet, Abelardo. Dialettica e mistero, Jaca Book, Milano 1996, pp. 71-111 (available on Ariel).
1. One of the following handbooks
- La filosofia nel Medioevo, in Filosofia cultura cittadinanza, a cura di A. La Vergata-F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 2011, pp. 438-590 (Il Medioevo, in Filosofia e cultura, a cura di A. La Vergata-F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 2007, pp. 454-481 e pp. 516-689);
- G. Cambiano-L. Fonnesu-M. Mori, Storia della filosofia occidentale. Medioevo e Rinascimento, Il Mulino, Bologna 2014, pp. 17-257.
The use of other high school or university level handbooks must be agreed in advance with the teacher.
2. Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi, C. Marmo, P. Porro, Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004:
Agostino, pp. 15-28
Boezio, pp. 33-45
Pseudo-Dionigi, pp. 47-58
Anselmo e Gaunilone, pp. 107-122
Abelardo, pp. 123-131
Guglielmo di Conches e Adelardo di Bath, pp. 135-149
Bonaventura e Olivi, pp. 201-215
Ruggero Bacone, pp. 228-230
Alberto Magno, pp. 231-245
Sigieri di Brabante e Boezio di Dacia, pp. 247-265
Tommaso d'Aquino, pp. 267-285
Ockham, pp. 353-366
Oresme, pp. 387-396.
Additional readings and assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
1. Pietro Abelardo, Conosci te stesso, o Etica, introduzione, traduzione e note di Mario Dal Pra, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 1976 (available on Ariel)
Additional readings for non-attending students:
1. L. Bianchi, "L'acculturazione filosofica dell'Occidente" e "Le università e il 'decollo scientifico' dell'Occidente" in La filosofia nelle Università: secoli XIII-XIV, a cura di L. Bianchi, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 1997, pp. 1-61 (available on Ariel).
2. J. Jolivet, Abelardo. Dialettica e mistero, Jaca Book, Milano 1996, pp. 71-111 (available on Ariel).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final examination consists of an oral exam, whose purpose is to test the knowledge and skills acquired by students. The grading system for the final exam is based on a 0-30 scale, 18 being the lowest passing mark.
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the handbook, of the texts and of the essays examined during the course (knowledge);
- ability to understand concepts and arguments (understanding)
- ability to critically evaluate different interpretations of texts and historical problems (development);
- use of language (exposition).
Non-attending students will not be examined on topics discussed exclusively during the lessons.
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the handbook, of the texts and of the essays examined during the course (knowledge);
- ability to understand concepts and arguments (understanding)
- ability to critically evaluate different interpretations of texts and historical problems (development);
- use of language (exposition).
Non-attending students will not be examined on topics discussed exclusively during the lessons.
Unita' didattica A
M-FIL/08 - HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-FIL/08 - HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-FIL/08 - HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
[L-Z]
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
This course is recommended for students attending the second year of the Philosophy course and to all students of other courses of the University of Milan who are interested in medieval philosophy (6 and 9 ECTS).
It aims at providing:
1. an introduction of the main philosophical traditions and some of the major authors of medieval thought, providing a guide to the preparation of the part of the exam dedicated to checking the knowledge of the development of medieval thought and of the context in which the more specific topics treated in the second part of the course emerged;
2. a thorough reading of a selection of texts of these main authors (in Italian translation: in Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi et. al., Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004);
3. a thorough reading of Augustine's dialogue "De ordine", read in Italian translation.
No additional teaching activities or exercises are foreseen.
The dedicated online learning environment can be found on Ariel.
It aims at providing:
1. an introduction of the main philosophical traditions and some of the major authors of medieval thought, providing a guide to the preparation of the part of the exam dedicated to checking the knowledge of the development of medieval thought and of the context in which the more specific topics treated in the second part of the course emerged;
2. a thorough reading of a selection of texts of these main authors (in Italian translation: in Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi et. al., Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004);
3. a thorough reading of Augustine's dialogue "De ordine", read in Italian translation.
No additional teaching activities or exercises are foreseen.
The dedicated online learning environment can be found on Ariel.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific requirements in addition to those required to access the Degree Program.
Teaching methods
Lectures and debates.
Teaching Resources
Readings and assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1. One of the following handbooks:
- La filosofia nel Medioevo, in Filosofia cultura cittadinanza, a cura di A. La Vergata-F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 2011, pp. 438-590;
- Il Medioevo, in Filosofia e cultura, a cura di A. La Vergata-F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 2007, pp. 454-481 e pp. 516-689.
- Storia della filosofia occidentale, a cura di G. Cambiano, L. Fonnesu, M. Mori, vol. 2, Il Mulino, Bologna 2014, pp. 17-257.
The use of other high school or university level handbooks must be previously agreed with the teacher.
2. Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi, C. Marmo, P. Porro, Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004:
· Agostino, pp. 15-18, 19-28;
· Boezio, pp. 33-45;
· Pseudo-Dionigi, pp. 47-58;
· Anselmo e Gaunilone, pp. 107-122;
· Abelardo, pp. 123-134;
· Guglielmo di Conches e Adelardo di Bath, pp. 135-149;
· Roberto Grossatesta, pp. 187-189, 190-192, 195-199;
· Bonaventura, pp. 203-205, 209-211;
· Ruggero Bacone, pp. 217-220, 228-230;
· Alberto Magno, pp. 231-245;
· Boezio di Dacia, pp. 247-251, 257-265;
· Tommaso d'Aquino, pp. 267-285;
· Guglielmo di Ockham, pp. 353-366.
Additional assignments for the 9 ECTS exam:
3.1. Aurelio Agostino, L'ordine, in Id., Tutti i dialoghi, a cura di G. Catapano, Bompiani, Milano 2006, pp. 297-458.
3.2. M. Bettetini, La misura delle cose: struttura e modelli dell'universo secondo Agostino d'Ippona, Rusconi, Milano 1994, pp. 71-124 (available on Ariel);
3.3. M. Bettetini, Introduzione ad Agostino, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2008, pp. 72-79 e pp. 106-118 (available on Ariel).
Additional assignments for non-attending students
L. Bianchi, "L'acculturazione filosofica dell'Occidente" e "Le università e il 'decollo scientifico' dell'Occidente", in La filosofia nelle Università: secoli XIII-XIV, a cura di L. Bianchi, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 1997, pp. 1-61 (available on Ariel).
1. One of the following handbooks:
- La filosofia nel Medioevo, in Filosofia cultura cittadinanza, a cura di A. La Vergata-F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 2011, pp. 438-590;
- Il Medioevo, in Filosofia e cultura, a cura di A. La Vergata-F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 2007, pp. 454-481 e pp. 516-689.
- Storia della filosofia occidentale, a cura di G. Cambiano, L. Fonnesu, M. Mori, vol. 2, Il Mulino, Bologna 2014, pp. 17-257.
The use of other high school or university level handbooks must be previously agreed with the teacher.
2. Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi, C. Marmo, P. Porro, Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004:
· Agostino, pp. 15-18, 19-28;
· Boezio, pp. 33-45;
· Pseudo-Dionigi, pp. 47-58;
· Anselmo e Gaunilone, pp. 107-122;
· Abelardo, pp. 123-134;
· Guglielmo di Conches e Adelardo di Bath, pp. 135-149;
· Roberto Grossatesta, pp. 187-189, 190-192, 195-199;
· Bonaventura, pp. 203-205, 209-211;
· Ruggero Bacone, pp. 217-220, 228-230;
· Alberto Magno, pp. 231-245;
· Boezio di Dacia, pp. 247-251, 257-265;
· Tommaso d'Aquino, pp. 267-285;
· Guglielmo di Ockham, pp. 353-366.
Additional assignments for the 9 ECTS exam:
3.1. Aurelio Agostino, L'ordine, in Id., Tutti i dialoghi, a cura di G. Catapano, Bompiani, Milano 2006, pp. 297-458.
3.2. M. Bettetini, La misura delle cose: struttura e modelli dell'universo secondo Agostino d'Ippona, Rusconi, Milano 1994, pp. 71-124 (available on Ariel);
3.3. M. Bettetini, Introduzione ad Agostino, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2008, pp. 72-79 e pp. 106-118 (available on Ariel).
Additional assignments for non-attending students
L. Bianchi, "L'acculturazione filosofica dell'Occidente" e "Le università e il 'decollo scientifico' dell'Occidente", in La filosofia nelle Università: secoli XIII-XIV, a cura di L. Bianchi, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 1997, pp. 1-61 (available on Ariel).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final examination consists of a 30 minutes oral exam, whose purpose is to test the knowledge and skills acquired by students. The grading system for the final exam is based on a 0-30 scale, 18 being the lowest passing mark.
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the handbook, of the texts and of the essays examined during the course (knowledge);
- ability to understand concepts and arguments (understanding)
- ability to critically evaluate different interpretations of texts and historical problems (development);
- use of language (exposition).
Non-attending students will not be examined on topics discussed exclusively during the lessons.
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the handbook, of the texts and of the essays examined during the course (knowledge);
- ability to understand concepts and arguments (understanding)
- ability to critically evaluate different interpretations of texts and historical problems (development);
- use of language (exposition).
Non-attending students will not be examined on topics discussed exclusively during the lessons.
Unita' didattica A
M-FIL/08 - HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-FIL/08 - HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-FIL/08 - HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday 14.30-16.30
Studio Ghiacciaia (first floor)
Reception:
Office hours will take place on Mondays, 2.30-5.00 pm (please, send an email to agree on the reception time)
In my office (first floor) and on MS Teams