Topics and Problems in Ancient Philosophy
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Undefined
Expected learning outcomes
Undefined
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
Plato's Statesman and Laws are the two major political works that follow the Republic. They are traditionally regarded as more "realistic" texts, in contrast to the "utopian" character often attributed to the philosophical masterpiece of Plato's maturity. Yet this shift does not mark a break with the fundamental principles of his political thought. On the contrary, certain core themes—above all the structural relationship between knowledge and political power—remain central. After the Republic, this theme is reformulated through the notion of the "second sailing": the search for the best attainable political order when the ideal constitution can no longer be realized.
The course will begin with a survey of the key elements of the Republic, including a close reading of Book VIII. It will then proceed to an in-depth study of the Statesman and a selective analysis of the Laws. The aim is to assess whether Plato's political philosophy can be considered a unified project and, if so, to identify its defining features.
The course will begin with a survey of the key elements of the Republic, including a close reading of Book VIII. It will then proceed to an in-depth study of the Statesman and a selective analysis of the Laws. The aim is to assess whether Plato's political philosophy can be considered a unified project and, if so, to identify its defining features.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites, except those established by the Degree Program Regulations.
Teaching methods
Lecture-based teaching
Seminars with national and international experts
Flipped classroom (presentations)
Seminars with national and international experts
Flipped classroom (presentations)
Teaching Resources
For the bibliography in foreign languages, please contact the teacher.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is divided into three parts:
a. An in-class presentation, agreed upon with the instructor, possibly in a group, on a topic covered during the lessons;
b. A written paper of approximately four pages to be submitted at least two weeks before the exam date (failure to submit will result in exclusion from the exam);
c. An oral exam on the course syllabus.
The evaluation criteria are as follows:
For the presentation: clarity and structure, communication skills, use and understanding of primary and secondary sources.
For the written paper: clarity in exposition and argumentation, use and understanding of primary and secondary sources, critical thinking.
For the oral exam: knowledge of the course content, ability to connect concepts, provide examples, engage in analytical argumentation, and understanding and explanation of the primary texts discussed in class.
The final grade, expressed on a scale of thirty, will be determined as follows: 60% from the oral exam, 15% from the presentation, and 25% from the written paper.
a. An in-class presentation, agreed upon with the instructor, possibly in a group, on a topic covered during the lessons;
b. A written paper of approximately four pages to be submitted at least two weeks before the exam date (failure to submit will result in exclusion from the exam);
c. An oral exam on the course syllabus.
The evaluation criteria are as follows:
For the presentation: clarity and structure, communication skills, use and understanding of primary and secondary sources.
For the written paper: clarity in exposition and argumentation, use and understanding of primary and secondary sources, critical thinking.
For the oral exam: knowledge of the course content, ability to connect concepts, provide examples, engage in analytical argumentation, and understanding and explanation of the primary texts discussed in class.
The final grade, expressed on a scale of thirty, will be determined as follows: 60% from the oral exam, 15% from the presentation, and 25% from the written paper.
Modules or teaching units
Parte A e B
M-FIL/07 - HISTORY OF ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Parte C
M-FIL/07 - HISTORY OF ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)