Descriptive Phenomenology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims at an in-depth discussion of issues in the general area of theoretical philosophy, discussing also their relationship with other subjects. The problems discussed have to do with the nature of perception, memory, imagination, and the relationship between them.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
- In-depth knowledge of problems in philosophy of mind, as well as ability to critically evaluate the results studied.
- Development of a better familiarity with the research methods in the area of theoretical philosophy; special attention is devoted to opportunities to employ ideas and concepts from other disciplines.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- Ability to apply the knowledge and critical skills acquired, also outside the specific area of the course and also outside philosophy.
- Ability to critically assess the methods employed in philosophical research and apply them to new problems.
- In-depth knowledge of problems in philosophy of mind, as well as ability to critically evaluate the results studied.
- Development of a better familiarity with the research methods in the area of theoretical philosophy; special attention is devoted to opportunities to employ ideas and concepts from other disciplines.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- Ability to apply the knowledge and critical skills acquired, also outside the specific area of the course and also outside philosophy.
- Ability to critically assess the methods employed in philosophical research and apply them to new problems.
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 will address several paradoxes related to the concept of narrative, including the paradox of fiction, the paradox of imaginative resistance, and the paradox of tragedy. Students will develop a meaningful initial understanding of narrative and its role in our culture and lives.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of Phenomenology and Philosophy of Mind
Teaching methods
Lectures
Debate and discussion
Debate and discussion
Teaching Resources
Provisional program (the texts that will actually be part of the exam program will be specified within the first week of the course)
Part common to the 6 and 9 credit programs:
One book to be chosen from:
· G. Currie, Narrative and Narrators. A Philosophy of Narrative, OUP, 2012;
· P. Lamarque, Filosofia della letteratura, Mimesis, Milan, 2024;
· W. Schmid, Narratology. An Introduction, De Gruyter, Berlin 2010;
Two articles to be chosen by each group:
· P. Spinicci, The concept of involvement and the paradox of fiction, Philosophical Inquiry, 2, 1, 2o14;
· F. Cova, F. Terroni, Is the paradox of fiction soluble in psychology?, Philosophical Psychology, Volume 29, 2016 - Issue 6
Additional part for the 9-credit program:
· Tamar Gendler and Shen-yi Liao, 'The Problem of Imaginative Resistance', in J. Gibson and N. Carroll (eds.), The Routledge Companion to Philosophy of Literature (New York: Routledge, 2016), 405-418.
The lectures, available online, are an integral part of the exam program.
Part common to the 6 and 9 credit programs:
One book to be chosen from:
· G. Currie, Narrative and Narrators. A Philosophy of Narrative, OUP, 2012;
· P. Lamarque, Filosofia della letteratura, Mimesis, Milan, 2024;
· W. Schmid, Narratology. An Introduction, De Gruyter, Berlin 2010;
Two articles to be chosen by each group:
· P. Spinicci, The concept of involvement and the paradox of fiction, Philosophical Inquiry, 2, 1, 2o14;
· F. Cova, F. Terroni, Is the paradox of fiction soluble in psychology?, Philosophical Psychology, Volume 29, 2016 - Issue 6
Additional part for the 9-credit program:
· Tamar Gendler and Shen-yi Liao, 'The Problem of Imaginative Resistance', in J. Gibson and N. Carroll (eds.), The Routledge Companion to Philosophy of Literature (New York: Routledge, 2016), 405-418.
The lectures, available online, are an integral part of the exam program.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination is oral, for both attending and non-attending students, and consists of two parts of approximately 15 minutes each: the first part ascertains the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of the proposed readings, the second part ascertains the ability to analyse and discuss one or more passages from the texts in the syllabus. A short written paper is recommended
Modules or teaching units
Parte A e B
M-FIL/01 - THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Parte C
M-FIL/01 - THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)