Language and Metaphisics
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims at an in-depth understanding of a current debate or research topic at the intersection between the philosophy of language and metaphysics.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
Students will acquire an in-depth knowledge of the main topics of the contemporary debate in the field of metaphysics and / or philosophy of language and the ability to critically discuss them.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to analyze complex problems in the fields of metaphysics and the philosophy of language and to identify possible solutions to these problems. They will be able to apply the skills and knowledge acquired to various research fields.
Students will acquire an in-depth knowledge of the main topics of the contemporary debate in the field of metaphysics and / or philosophy of language and the ability to critically discuss them.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to analyze complex problems in the fields of metaphysics and the philosophy of language and to identify possible solutions to these problems. They will be able to apply the skills and knowledge acquired to various research fields.
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
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Humor and the meaning of life:
The course aims to address the philosophical debates on these topics with the help of recent textbooks and essays.
Final information will be provided on MyAriel website.
The course aims to address the philosophical debates on these topics with the help of recent textbooks and essays.
Final information will be provided on MyAriel website.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is in English. A B2 level of English is assumed.
The grade record of those who take the exam without B2 English certification will be cancelled.
The grade record of those who take the exam without B2 English certification will be cancelled.
Teaching methods
Lectures and discussions with students.
Teaching Resources
Main texts:
Noël Carroll (2014), Humour. A very short introduction, Oxford: Oxford University Press, chapters 1 and 2
Taddeus Metz and Joshua W. Seachris (2024), What Makes life Meaningful? New York: Routledge
In-depts texts:
John Morreall (ed) (1987), The Philosophy of Laughter and Humor, Albany N.Y.: State University of New York Press (texts by Thomas Hobbes, Francis Hutcheson, Roger Scruton, Francis Hutcheson, Michael Clark, Mike W. Martin, Herbert Spencer, Sigmund Freud)
Levinson, J. (1998). ʻHumourʼ. in Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, E. Craig (ed), London: Routledge, pp. 562-7.
Noël Carroll (2003), 'Humour' in The Oxford Handbook of Aesthetics, Jerrold Levinson (ed), Oxford: Oxford University Press 2003, pp. 344-365
John Morreall (2009), Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humour, Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, chapters 1 and 3
9 CFU programme: all the above texts are included.
6 CFU programme: except for Taddeus Metz and Joshua W. Seachris (2024), all other texts are included.
Noël Carroll (2014), Humour. A very short introduction, Oxford: Oxford University Press, chapters 1 and 2
Taddeus Metz and Joshua W. Seachris (2024), What Makes life Meaningful? New York: Routledge
In-depts texts:
John Morreall (ed) (1987), The Philosophy of Laughter and Humor, Albany N.Y.: State University of New York Press (texts by Thomas Hobbes, Francis Hutcheson, Roger Scruton, Francis Hutcheson, Michael Clark, Mike W. Martin, Herbert Spencer, Sigmund Freud)
Levinson, J. (1998). ʻHumourʼ. in Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, E. Craig (ed), London: Routledge, pp. 562-7.
Noël Carroll (2003), 'Humour' in The Oxford Handbook of Aesthetics, Jerrold Levinson (ed), Oxford: Oxford University Press 2003, pp. 344-365
John Morreall (2009), Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humour, Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, chapters 1 and 3
9 CFU programme: all the above texts are included.
6 CFU programme: except for Taddeus Metz and Joshua W. Seachris (2024), all other texts are included.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The student will be assessed on
(i) A written essay (see instructions below)
(ii) Oral discussion of the examination texts
Guidance for the essay:
- The essay should not exceed 2000 words (including references).
- The essay should be in .doc format (not .pdf)
- The essay should be submitted at least 10 days before the oral examination.
- Before submitting the essay, an abstract and a detailed index should be sent to and approved by the lecturer. Do not write the essay until you have received the lecturer's approval of the abstract and index.
(i) A written essay (see instructions below)
(ii) Oral discussion of the examination texts
Guidance for the essay:
- The essay should not exceed 2000 words (including references).
- The essay should be in .doc format (not .pdf)
- The essay should be submitted at least 10 days before the oral examination.
- Before submitting the essay, an abstract and a detailed index should be sent to and approved by the lecturer. Do not write the essay until you have received the lecturer's approval of the abstract and index.
M-FIL/05 - PHILOSOPHY AND THEORY OF LANGUAGE - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Paganini Elisa
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
Teams or Skype