History of Medieval Political Thought
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The aim of the course ¬is to provide students, through the study of relevant authors and main problems, with a general understanding of the history of medieval political thought and the contribution it made to the development of the ideas, argumentative forms and languages with which Europe addressed major political issues during the so-called Middle Ages and early Modern Age.The course also aims to provide students with the cognitive tools that allow them to read critically and comment autonomously on a philosophical-political text.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- know the fundamental aspects of the history of Western medieval political 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 political philosophy
- know the fundamental philosophical lexicon, the literary genres and the argumentative forms of medieval political thought
- know the basic methodological tools of research in the history of philosophy, with reference to political thought
- understand the relationships connecting the history of Western medieval political thought to political history, to society and to theological and religious traditions.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- apply the knowledge acquired in the historical context of the authors and texts
- apply the knowledge acquired in vocabulary, argumentation and text analysis to the analysis and interpretation of other texts
- apply the basic knowledge and reading methods learned in class to other philosophical texts.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- know the fundamental aspects of the history of Western medieval political 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 political philosophy
- know the fundamental philosophical lexicon, the literary genres and the argumentative forms of medieval political thought
- know the basic methodological tools of research in the history of philosophy, with reference to political thought
- understand the relationships connecting the history of Western medieval political thought to political history, to society and to theological and religious traditions.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- apply the knowledge acquired in the historical context of the authors and texts
- apply the knowledge acquired in vocabulary, argumentation and text analysis to the analysis and interpretation of other texts
- 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 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
Second semester
M-FIL/08 - HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Campi Luigi, Simonetta Stefano
Professor(s)
Reception:
Office hours will take place on Mondays, 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 Monday, from 10 am to 1 pm
Department of Philosophy, first floor