History of Medieval Philosophy
A.Y. 2023/2024
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 can be attended as a single course.
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 but it can also be taken by other Philosophy students and by 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 the works of Boethius of Dacia (in Italian translation), one of the first medieval thinkers to defend philosophy as an entirely autonomous discipline.
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 the works of Boethius of Dacia (in Italian translation), one of the first medieval thinkers to defend philosophy as an entirely autonomous discipline.
Prerequisites for admission
Specific preliminary notions are not required
Teaching methods
Lectures and debates.
The course makes use of teaching material made available through myAriel and Teams.
The course makes use of teaching material made available through myAriel and Teams.
Teaching Resources
Readings and assignments for both 6 and 9 ECTS exams:
1. First of all, in order to acquire an adequate knowledge of the development of medieval thought and of the context in which the theme of the course is placed, all students are required to use one of the following tools:
- La filosofia nel Medioevo, in Filosofia cultura cittadinanza, ed. by A. La Vergata-F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 2011, pp. 438-590;
- Il Medioevo, in Filosofia e cultura, ed. by A. La Vergata-F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 2007, pp. 454-481 and pp. 516-689.
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, pp. 19-28, 36-41, 66-69, 110-122, 129-134, 138-149, 168-174, 181-185, 228-230, 276-279, 332-338 e 362-366.
Additional readings and assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
1. Boezio di Dacia, "Sull'eternità del mondo", "Sul sommo bene", a cura di Luca Bianchi, La Vita Felice, Milano, 2017, pp. 71-123, 233-250.
2. F. Putallaz-R. Imbach, "Professione filosofo", Jaca Book, Milano, 1998, pp. 75-93 (available on Ariel).
Additional readings for non-attending students:
1. L. Bianchi, Introduzione a Boezio di Dacia, "Sull'eternità del mondo" e "Sul sommo bene", La Vita Felice, Milano, 2017, pp. 9-70 e 191-232.
2. 2. L. Bianchi, "La felicità intellettuale come professione nella Parigi del Duecento", Rivista di filosofia, 87 (1987), pp. 181-199 (available on Ariel).
1. First of all, in order to acquire an adequate knowledge of the development of medieval thought and of the context in which the theme of the course is placed, all students are required to use one of the following tools:
- La filosofia nel Medioevo, in Filosofia cultura cittadinanza, ed. by A. La Vergata-F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 2011, pp. 438-590;
- Il Medioevo, in Filosofia e cultura, ed. by A. La Vergata-F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 2007, pp. 454-481 and pp. 516-689.
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, pp. 19-28, 36-41, 66-69, 110-122, 129-134, 138-149, 168-174, 181-185, 228-230, 276-279, 332-338 e 362-366.
Additional readings and assignments for 9 ECTS exam:
1. Boezio di Dacia, "Sull'eternità del mondo", "Sul sommo bene", a cura di Luca Bianchi, La Vita Felice, Milano, 2017, pp. 71-123, 233-250.
2. F. Putallaz-R. Imbach, "Professione filosofo", Jaca Book, Milano, 1998, pp. 75-93 (available on Ariel).
Additional readings for non-attending students:
1. L. Bianchi, Introduzione a Boezio di Dacia, "Sull'eternità del mondo" e "Sul sommo bene", La Vita Felice, Milano, 2017, pp. 9-70 e 191-232.
2. 2. L. Bianchi, "La felicità intellettuale come professione nella Parigi del Duecento", Rivista di filosofia, 87 (1987), pp. 181-199 (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
The course is recommended for second-year Philosophy students, but it can also be taken by all other undergraduate students majoring in Philosophy, as well as those enrolled in other degree programs that allow for the choice of the exam in History of Medieval Philosophy for 6 or 9 ECTS credits.
It will provide:
1. A general overview of the main philosophical traditions and some of the major authors of medieval thought, guiding the preparation for the exam section focused on assessing the knowledge of the development of medieval thought and the framework in which the more specific topics covered in the second part of the course are situated;
2. An analytical reading of some texts by these authors translated into Italian in the anthology Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi et. al., Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004;
3. An analytical reading of some sections of "The Consolation of Philosophy" by Severinus Boethius, in Italian translation.
It will provide:
1. A general overview of the main philosophical traditions and some of the major authors of medieval thought, guiding the preparation for the exam section focused on assessing the knowledge of the development of medieval thought and the framework in which the more specific topics covered in the second part of the course are situated;
2. An analytical reading of some texts by these authors translated into Italian in the anthology Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi et. al., Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004;
3. An analytical reading of some sections of "The Consolation of Philosophy" by Severinus Boethius, in Italian translation.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prerequisites, other than those required for admission to the Course of Study.
Teaching methods
Lectures and discussions.
No additional teaching activities or exercises are scheduled.
Teaching will use instructional materials made available through Ariel and Teams.
No additional teaching activities or exercises are scheduled.
Teaching will use instructional materials made available through Ariel and Teams.
Teaching Resources
Common program for both the 6 and 9 ECTS credit exams:
1. One of the following textbooks:
"La filosofia nel Medioevo," in "Filosofia cultura cittadinanza," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2011, pp. 438-590;
"Il Medioevo," in "Filosofia e cultura," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2007, pp. 454-481 and pp. 516-689;
"Storia della filosofia occidentale," edited by G. Cambiano, L. Fonnesu, M. Mori, vol. 2, Il Mulino, Bologna 2014, pp. 17-257 (to be supplemented with one of the aforementioned textbooks limited to the thought of Augustine of Hippo).
The use of other high school or university level textbooks must be agreed upon with the teacher in advance.
2. Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi et. al., Milano, Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004:
· Augustine, pp. 15-18, 19-28;
· Boethius, pp. 33-45;
· Pseudo-Dionysius, pp. 47-58;
· Anselm and Gaunilo, pp. 107-122;
· Abelard, pp. 123-134;
· William of Conches and Adelard of Bath, pp. 135-149;
· Robert Grosseteste, pp. 187-189, 190-192, 195-199;
· Bonaventure, pp. 203-205, 209-211;
· Roger Bacon, pp. 217-220, 228-230;
· Albertus Magnus, pp. 231-245;
· Boethius of Dacia, pp. 247-251, 257-265;
· Thomas Aquinas, pp. 267-285;
· William of Ockham, pp. 353-366.
Additions for the 9 ECTS credit program:
3.1. Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius, "La consolazione della filosofia", edited by C. Moreschini, UTET, Torino 1994 and subsequent editions (available in pocket edition).
3.2. H. Chadwick, "La consolazione della musica, della logica, della teologia", Il Mulino, Bologna 1986, pp. 7-43, 70-83, 147-187, 283-317 (available on Ariel);
3.3. A. Donato, "Boezio. Un pensatore tardoantico e il suo mondo", Carocci, Roma 2021, pp. 273-306 (disponibile su Ariel).
.
Additions for non-attending students:
For the 6 or 9 ECTS credit exam:
L. Bianchi, "The Philosophical Acculturation of the West" and "Universities and the 'Scientific Takeoff' of the West," in "La filosofia nelle Università: secoli XIII-XIV," edited by L. Bianchi, La Nuova Italia, Florence 1997, pp. 1-61 (available on Ariel).
For the 9 ECTS credit exam:
W. Beierwaltes, "Consolation in Concept. On the Hymn of Boethius 'O qui perpetua mundum ratione gubernas'," in Id., "Thinking the One. Studies on Neoplatonic Philosophy and the History of Its Influences," Vita e Pensiero, Milan 1992, pp. 276-288.
Recommended readings:
A. Donato, A. Donato, "Boezio. Un pensatore tardoantico e il suo mondo", Carocci, Roma 2021, pp. 19-103.
1. One of the following textbooks:
"La filosofia nel Medioevo," in "Filosofia cultura cittadinanza," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2011, pp. 438-590;
"Il Medioevo," in "Filosofia e cultura," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2007, pp. 454-481 and pp. 516-689;
"Storia della filosofia occidentale," edited by G. Cambiano, L. Fonnesu, M. Mori, vol. 2, Il Mulino, Bologna 2014, pp. 17-257 (to be supplemented with one of the aforementioned textbooks limited to the thought of Augustine of Hippo).
The use of other high school or university level textbooks must be agreed upon with the teacher in advance.
2. Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi et. al., Milano, Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004:
· Augustine, pp. 15-18, 19-28;
· Boethius, pp. 33-45;
· Pseudo-Dionysius, pp. 47-58;
· Anselm and Gaunilo, pp. 107-122;
· Abelard, pp. 123-134;
· William of Conches and Adelard of Bath, pp. 135-149;
· Robert Grosseteste, pp. 187-189, 190-192, 195-199;
· Bonaventure, pp. 203-205, 209-211;
· Roger Bacon, pp. 217-220, 228-230;
· Albertus Magnus, pp. 231-245;
· Boethius of Dacia, pp. 247-251, 257-265;
· Thomas Aquinas, pp. 267-285;
· William of Ockham, pp. 353-366.
Additions for the 9 ECTS credit program:
3.1. Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius, "La consolazione della filosofia", edited by C. Moreschini, UTET, Torino 1994 and subsequent editions (available in pocket edition).
3.2. H. Chadwick, "La consolazione della musica, della logica, della teologia", Il Mulino, Bologna 1986, pp. 7-43, 70-83, 147-187, 283-317 (available on Ariel);
3.3. A. Donato, "Boezio. Un pensatore tardoantico e il suo mondo", Carocci, Roma 2021, pp. 273-306 (disponibile su Ariel).
.
Additions for non-attending students:
For the 6 or 9 ECTS credit exam:
L. Bianchi, "The Philosophical Acculturation of the West" and "Universities and the 'Scientific Takeoff' of the West," in "La filosofia nelle Università: secoli XIII-XIV," edited by L. Bianchi, La Nuova Italia, Florence 1997, pp. 1-61 (available on Ariel).
For the 9 ECTS credit exam:
W. Beierwaltes, "Consolation in Concept. On the Hymn of Boethius 'O qui perpetua mundum ratione gubernas'," in Id., "Thinking the One. Studies on Neoplatonic Philosophy and the History of Its Influences," Vita e Pensiero, Milan 1992, pp. 276-288.
Recommended readings:
A. Donato, A. Donato, "Boezio. Un pensatore tardoantico e il suo mondo", Carocci, Roma 2021, pp. 19-103.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral interview lasting approximately 30 minutes aimed at assessing acquired knowledge and competencies. The evaluation is on a thirty-point scale (with 18 as the minimum required grade to pass the exam).
During the exam, the following will be evaluated:
- The level of knowledge of the textbook, the texts, and the studies in the program (knowledge);
- The ability to understand concepts and arguments (comprehension);
- The autonomy of judgment in critically evaluating different interpretations of texts and historical problems (development);
- Communication skills in explaining acquired competencies (explanation)
During the exam, the following will be evaluated:
- The level of knowledge of the textbook, the texts, and the studies in the program (knowledge);
- The ability to understand concepts and arguments (comprehension);
- The autonomy of judgment in critically evaluating different interpretations of texts and historical problems (development);
- Communication skills in explaining acquired competencies (explanation)
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
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Office hours will take place on Wednesdays, 2.30-5.00 pm
In my office (first floor) and on MS Teams (please, send an email to agree on the reception time)
Reception:
every Wednesday, from 12:15am to 15:15pm
Department of Philosophy, first floor