History of Classical German Philosophy
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course, which belongs to the area of History of Philosophy, contributes to an in-depth critical knowledge of the history of philosophy from the Antiquity to contemporary debates. Aim of the course is to develop a systematic, in-depth knowledge of significant moments of the philosophical debates in Germany between the late 18th and the 19th century, especially from Kant to Hegel, through a critical engagement with both primary texts and the relevant secondary literature, also with regard to the impact on later philosophical views.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- understands the vocabulary and knows the methods, the aims and the main subjects of German classical philosophy;
- masters a systematic and in-depth knowledge of the main strands in German classical philosophy, based on the study of primary and secondary literature;
- has a philologically well-grounded knowledge of the sources of the texts s/he deals with;
- understands the historical and philosophical meaning of the texts (read also in their original language);
- understands the diverse interpretive takes on the primary sources;
- has proficient knowledge of the bibliographic resources and methodological tools for research on German classical philosophy.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- can soundly and adequately make use of the knowledge of the vocabulary, methods, and the main subjects of German classical philosophy;
- can critically apply the acquired knowledge to historical contextualisation of authors and texts;
- is able to apply the acquired knowledge on the historical development of the argumentative forms and traditions of thought to the analysis of new texts and philosophical views;
- is able to acknowledge the transformation of classical paradigms, traditions and perspectives;
- can confidently and independently apply various interpretations to different topics and new problems;
- masters the methodological and bibliographic tools of historical-philosophical research to produce original research and discuss the results obtained in presenting them to others, both specialists and non-specialists.
At the end of the course, the student
- understands the vocabulary and knows the methods, the aims and the main subjects of German classical philosophy;
- masters a systematic and in-depth knowledge of the main strands in German classical philosophy, based on the study of primary and secondary literature;
- has a philologically well-grounded knowledge of the sources of the texts s/he deals with;
- understands the historical and philosophical meaning of the texts (read also in their original language);
- understands the diverse interpretive takes on the primary sources;
- has proficient knowledge of the bibliographic resources and methodological tools for research on German classical philosophy.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- can soundly and adequately make use of the knowledge of the vocabulary, methods, and the main subjects of German classical philosophy;
- can critically apply the acquired knowledge to historical contextualisation of authors and texts;
- is able to apply the acquired knowledge on the historical development of the argumentative forms and traditions of thought to the analysis of new texts and philosophical views;
- is able to acknowledge the transformation of classical paradigms, traditions and perspectives;
- can confidently and independently apply various interpretations to different topics and new problems;
- masters the methodological and bibliographic tools of historical-philosophical research to produce original research and discuss the results obtained in presenting them to others, both specialists and non-specialists.
Lesson period: First 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
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Even more than other ages in the history of philosophy, German classical philosophy is characterised by debates, disputes, and controversies. The course focuses on the first, and arguably the most significant, of those, namely the controversy on Spinoza's thought, which shall be considered along with its main philosophical outcomes. We shall examine some of the most notable relevant writings by Jacobi, Kant, Fichte, Schelling, and Hegel.
Prerequisites for admission
A good knowledge of the history of philosophy, with special regard to modern philosophy, as is provided by the B.A. philosophy course.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons, with PowerPoint presentations, mainly focused on introducing and commenting the texts included in the course programme.
Seminar discussions with brief presentation by the students.
Writing exercise.
Seminar discussions with brief presentation by the students.
Writing exercise.
Teaching Resources
The literature list in English is available upon request to the instructor.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exams, which will cover the topics of the class and the texts included in the programme.
Oral exams will also deal with a brief paper (max. 20000 characters long), in which the student shall deal with one of the texts included in the programme, as per the instructions given in class or otherwise agreed with the instructor.
The students will send their papers to the instructor *at least ten working days before the date of the exam* in order to enlist for the oral exam.
Oral exams will also deal with a brief paper (max. 20000 characters long), in which the student shall deal with one of the texts included in the programme, as per the instructions given in class or otherwise agreed with the instructor.
The students will send their papers to the instructor *at least ten working days before the date of the exam* in order to enlist for the oral exam.
Modules or teaching units
Parte A e B
M-FIL/06 - HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Parte C
M-FIL/06 - HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)