Moral Philosophy
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with some groundwork of moral philosophy, with special reference to foundational issues concerning the theory of value and applications in the areas of philosophy of history, bioethics and political philosophy.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course the student is expected to:
- . knows the theoretical fundamentals of moral philosophy;
- knows the most significant ethical and value issues in their historical evolution
- know the core concepts, and the technical terms involved in the contemporary debate on the issues examined during the course;
- have a clear and critical understanding of the moral and axiological questions raised during the course, with special reference to the following theoretical oppositions: individualism and collectivism, freedom and justice, tradition and reason, deontology and utilitarianism, rights and duties.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student is further expected to:
- be able to apply the knowledge and the conceptual tools in moral philosophy that have been provided to him/her.
- be able to provide a critical and informed approach to some of the main themes debated in moral philosophy.
- be able to read and to successfully interpret philosophical sources in the field of moral and political philosophy.
- can frame the key authors of ethical and value-related debates and related themes in a historical perspective
At the end of the course the student is expected to:
- . knows the theoretical fundamentals of moral philosophy;
- knows the most significant ethical and value issues in their historical evolution
- know the core concepts, and the technical terms involved in the contemporary debate on the issues examined during the course;
- have a clear and critical understanding of the moral and axiological questions raised during the course, with special reference to the following theoretical oppositions: individualism and collectivism, freedom and justice, tradition and reason, deontology and utilitarianism, rights and duties.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student is further expected to:
- be able to apply the knowledge and the conceptual tools in moral philosophy that have been provided to him/her.
- be able to provide a critical and informed approach to some of the main themes debated in moral philosophy.
- be able to read and to successfully interpret philosophical sources in the field of moral and political philosophy.
- can frame the key authors of ethical and value-related debates and related themes in a historical perspective
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
The course aims to address some general issues of moral philosophy through an engagement with the anticolonial and postcolonial thought. The first didactic unit will examine the ideas of Frantz Fanon, focusing particularly on the relationship between colonialism, racism, and anticolonial struggle. The second unit will tackle the work of Edward Said, especially concerning the relationship between European culture, imperial projects, and anticolonial resistance. In the concluding didactic unit, centred on the work of Dipesh Chakrabarty and Subaltern Studies, a critical analysis will be conducted on the influences of colonial heritage and Eurocentrism on contemporary historiographies and philosophies of history.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prerequisites other than those required for access to the course of study.
Teaching methods
Lectures
Debate and discussion
Debate and discussion
Teaching Resources
9 cfu
● Frantz Fanon, I dannati della terra, trad. it. Carlo Cignetti, Einaudi, Torino 2007.
● Edward Said, Cultura e imperialismo. Letteratura e consenso nel progetto coloniale dell'Occidente, trad. it. Anna Tagliavini e Stefano Chiarini, Feltrinelli, Milano 2023.
● Dipesh Chakrabarty, Provincializzare l'Europa, trad. it. Matteo Bortolini, Meltemi, Milano 2004, pp. 9-155, 311-335.
6 cfu
● Frantz Fanon, I dannati della terra, trad. it. Carlo Cignetti, Einaudi, Torino 2007.
● Edward Said, Cultura e imperialismo. Letteratura e consenso nel progetto coloniale dell'Occidente, trad. it. Anna Tagliavini e Stefano Chiarini, Feltrinelli, Milano 2023.
N. B. All students will have to listen the recordings of the lessons, which will be made available by the instructor.
● Frantz Fanon, I dannati della terra, trad. it. Carlo Cignetti, Einaudi, Torino 2007.
● Edward Said, Cultura e imperialismo. Letteratura e consenso nel progetto coloniale dell'Occidente, trad. it. Anna Tagliavini e Stefano Chiarini, Feltrinelli, Milano 2023.
● Dipesh Chakrabarty, Provincializzare l'Europa, trad. it. Matteo Bortolini, Meltemi, Milano 2004, pp. 9-155, 311-335.
6 cfu
● Frantz Fanon, I dannati della terra, trad. it. Carlo Cignetti, Einaudi, Torino 2007.
● Edward Said, Cultura e imperialismo. Letteratura e consenso nel progetto coloniale dell'Occidente, trad. it. Anna Tagliavini e Stefano Chiarini, Feltrinelli, Milano 2023.
N. B. All students will have to listen the recordings of the lessons, which will be made available by the instructor.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final examination consists of an oral exam. The purpose of the oral exam will be to test the knowledge and skills acquired by students in light of the course topics.
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the topics discussed during the course (exposition);
- ability to exemplify concepts (understanding);
- capacity of use and apply concepts (development);
- use of language
Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the topics discussed during the course (exposition);
- ability to exemplify concepts (understanding);
- capacity of use and apply concepts (development);
- use of language
Unita' didattica A
M-FIL/03 - MORAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-FIL/03 - MORAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-FIL/03 - MORAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)