Origins of Western Philosophy
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course is centered on the archaic origin(s) of Western philosophy, focusing on the so-called "Presocratic" thinkers, also in consideration of the "East" as a historiographical category and in consideration of the philosophical legacy that those beginnings have left.
Expected learning outcomes
1. Textually-informed knowledge of the archaic origins of Western philosophy and understanding of the "Eastern" side of that matter as recovered in the historiographical narrative.
2. Acquisition of specific key-words, technical vocabulary and fundamental philosophical concepts of the archaic period. 3. Basic philological awareness in the analysis of ancient texts, whose nature is fragmentary and/or reported. 4. Acquaintance with the main "Presocratic" thinkers' tenets, their most important views, the extant testimonies and the available doxographic tradition in their regard. 5. Capacity to develop an overall theoretical understanding of the history of Presocratic philosophy that must also be historiographically and philologically informed. 6. The ability to formulate reasoned arguments and communicate ideas about the beginnings of Western philosophy.
2. Acquisition of specific key-words, technical vocabulary and fundamental philosophical concepts of the archaic period. 3. Basic philological awareness in the analysis of ancient texts, whose nature is fragmentary and/or reported. 4. Acquaintance with the main "Presocratic" thinkers' tenets, their most important views, the extant testimonies and the available doxographic tradition in their regard. 5. Capacity to develop an overall theoretical understanding of the history of Presocratic philosophy that must also be historiographically and philologically informed. 6. The ability to formulate reasoned arguments and communicate ideas about the beginnings of Western philosophy.
Lesson period: First 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
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course covers the history of the so-called "Presocratic" philosophy, from the early Milesians to the Sophists. Particular attention will be dedicated to the historiographical idea of the "origin(s)" of philosophy and to the relation between Eastern and Western forms of archaic wisdom.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic understanding of ancient Greek would be recommended, but not necessary.
Teaching methods
taught classes, reading, commentary and interpretation of ancient texts (fragments and testimonia), discussion of selected secondary literature on the topic.
Teaching Resources
- Maria Michela Sassi, The Beginnings of Philosophy in Greece, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2018 OR James Warren, Presocratics, Acumen Publishing, Durham, Abingdon, 2007.
- Daniel W. Graham (ed., tr.), The Texts of Early Greek Philosophy: The Complete Fragments and Selected Testimonies of the Major Presocratics, 2 vols., Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010 (selections).
- M. Laura Gemelli Marciano, "East and West", in Ancient Philosophy: Textual Paths and Historical Explorations, eds. Lorenzo Perilli and Daniela P. Taormina, London-NY: Routledge, 2018, pp. 1-40.
Further bibliographical material will be discussed and/or suggested in the course of the lectures. Referral texts are the same for both attending and non-attending students.
- Daniel W. Graham (ed., tr.), The Texts of Early Greek Philosophy: The Complete Fragments and Selected Testimonies of the Major Presocratics, 2 vols., Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010 (selections).
- M. Laura Gemelli Marciano, "East and West", in Ancient Philosophy: Textual Paths and Historical Explorations, eds. Lorenzo Perilli and Daniela P. Taormina, London-NY: Routledge, 2018, pp. 1-40.
Further bibliographical material will be discussed and/or suggested in the course of the lectures. Referral texts are the same for both attending and non-attending students.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam is an oral exam designed to evaluate the student's ability to understand and interpret ancient "Presocratic" fragments and testimonies in consideration of established scholarship on the topic.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
The grade is expressed in thirtieths (pass mark: 18/30; maximum grade: 30 with honours/30).
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
The grade is expressed in thirtieths (pass mark: 18/30; maximum grade: 30 with honours/30).
M-FIL/06 - HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Cosci Matteo
Educational website(s)