Descriptive Phenomenology
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with knowledge and skills in the phenomenology of experience, particularly recent developments. Topics covered may include the phenomenology of perception, memory, and imagination. The latter is also considered in relation to the aesthetic dimension of narration.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire:
- The ability to critically analyze arguments
- The ability to discuss and compare different positions within descriptive phenomenology of experience
- The ability to reflect on complex, articulated philosophical arguments
- The ability to take a position in debates within descriptive phenomenology of experience and propose arguments to support it
- The ability to communicate the results of their studies effectively, also using multimedia techniques to represent information with possible application in teaching
- the ability to use interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to apply these skills in complex contexts and in the management of group work
- The ability to transfer the acquired skills to non-specialist contexts
- The ability to reflect on one's abilities and the obtained assessments
- The ability to conduct independent research on the most recent debates or schools of thought in descriptive phenomenology of experience
- The ability to independently explore philosophical positions and theoretical theses.
- The ability to critically analyze arguments
- The ability to discuss and compare different positions within descriptive phenomenology of experience
- The ability to reflect on complex, articulated philosophical arguments
- The ability to take a position in debates within descriptive phenomenology of experience and propose arguments to support it
- The ability to communicate the results of their studies effectively, also using multimedia techniques to represent information with possible application in teaching
- the ability to use interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to apply these skills in complex contexts and in the management of group work
- The ability to transfer the acquired skills to non-specialist contexts
- The ability to reflect on one's abilities and the obtained assessments
- The ability to conduct independent research on the most recent debates or schools of thought in descriptive phenomenology of experience
- The ability to independently explore philosophical positions and theoretical theses.
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 is devoted to an examination of the phenomenon of imaginative resistance. In the first part (40 hours, 6 CFU), we will focus on some general considerations, before discussing the various theories on the phenomenon of imaginative resistance. Particular emphasis will be placed on the theme of empathic understanding. In the second part of the course (20 hours, 3 CFU), we will seek to demonstrate that literature and storytelling are not the source of the problem of imaginative resistance, but rather the very place where we seek to overcome it.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of Phenomenology and Philosophy of Mind
Teaching methods
Lectures
Debate and discussion
Debate and discussion
Teaching Resources
The material covered in the examinations will be specified at the start of the course. The following guidelines are intended solely to provide a provisional outline of the topics to be covered in the course.
First part of the course (40 hours, 6 CFU), for both attending and non-attending students
1. K. Stüber, *Rediscovering Empathy*, MIT, 2006;
2. Writings by Altshuler, Brock, Gendler, Moran, Stock, Todd and Weatherson
Second part of the course (20 hours, 3 additional CFU), for both attending and non-attending students
The second part of the course will focus on the relationship between the implicit reader and imaginative resistance, and will examine texts by Iser, Eco and Schmid
The course lectures form an integral part of the programme and will be made available on the course team platform. The team Fenomenologi descrittiva spinicci 2026-27 has the following web address: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/channel/19%3AjJ1eWFWyGGJyG038zPhDrSjM9CZwKItmg9SORs0NLso1%40thread.tacv2/General?groupId=590d6e85-0486-4188-aaca-bb8a2f47cc11&tenantId=13b55eef-7018-4674-a3d7-cc0db06d545c
First part of the course (40 hours, 6 CFU), for both attending and non-attending students
1. K. Stüber, *Rediscovering Empathy*, MIT, 2006;
2. Writings by Altshuler, Brock, Gendler, Moran, Stock, Todd and Weatherson
Second part of the course (20 hours, 3 additional CFU), for both attending and non-attending students
The second part of the course will focus on the relationship between the implicit reader and imaginative resistance, and will examine texts by Iser, Eco and Schmid
The course lectures form an integral part of the programme and will be made available on the course team platform. The team Fenomenologi descrittiva spinicci 2026-27 has the following web address: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/channel/19%3AjJ1eWFWyGGJyG038zPhDrSjM9CZwKItmg9SORs0NLso1%40thread.tacv2/General?groupId=590d6e85-0486-4188-aaca-bb8a2f47cc11&tenantId=13b55eef-7018-4674-a3d7-cc0db06d545c
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is oral, lasts approximately 20-30 minutes and consists of three questions. The first question, which opens the exam, is designed to assess the candidate's understanding of fundamental concepts; the candidate may choose which question to answer first and must explain why they have chosen it over the others. The second question focuses on the topics covered in class as part of the course. The third question relates to the texts and takes the form of a textual commentary. Students must therefore bring the texts with them to the exam.
The exam consists of three questions, each marked on a scale of 0 to 6. The marks 6, 5, 4, 1 and 0 correspond to the following criteria (intermediate marks are, of course, possible):
6 marks: a detailed answer free from inaccuracies; correct use of terminology.
5 marks: a substantially correct answer, even if not detailed and/or containing some inaccuracies; possible inaccuracies in the use of terminology.
4 marks: an answer that is generally adequate, even if there are errors in content and/or in the use of terminology.
1 mark: some of the required knowledge is demonstrated and terminology is used to at least some extent, but the answer is essentially incorrect.
0 marks: none of the required knowledge is demonstrated.
Students with specific learning difficulties and/or disabilities who wish to request an adjustment to the examination arrangements must agree the details of their case with the lecturer and the relevant office as soon as possible, strictly following the procedures described at the following links (in the section 'Support for teaching and contact with lecturers - compensatory measures'):
https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/servizi-gli-studenti/servizi-studenti-con-dsa
https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/servizi-gli-studenti/servizi-studenti-con-disabilita
The exam timetable will be finalised as follows: the day after the registration deadline, an email will be sent asking registered students to confirm (or decline) their attendance at the exam. A reply to this email counts as a response to the roll call. One day before the exam, the final timetable, organised by day and time slot, will be sent to all students: students who have responded to the electronic roll call may sit the exam at the time and on the day indicated in the final timetable. The exam may be taken from the first sitting after the end of the course, with a total of seven sittings available.
The exam consists of three questions, each marked on a scale of 0 to 6. The marks 6, 5, 4, 1 and 0 correspond to the following criteria (intermediate marks are, of course, possible):
6 marks: a detailed answer free from inaccuracies; correct use of terminology.
5 marks: a substantially correct answer, even if not detailed and/or containing some inaccuracies; possible inaccuracies in the use of terminology.
4 marks: an answer that is generally adequate, even if there are errors in content and/or in the use of terminology.
1 mark: some of the required knowledge is demonstrated and terminology is used to at least some extent, but the answer is essentially incorrect.
0 marks: none of the required knowledge is demonstrated.
Students with specific learning difficulties and/or disabilities who wish to request an adjustment to the examination arrangements must agree the details of their case with the lecturer and the relevant office as soon as possible, strictly following the procedures described at the following links (in the section 'Support for teaching and contact with lecturers - compensatory measures'):
https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/servizi-gli-studenti/servizi-studenti-con-dsa
https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/servizi-gli-studenti/servizi-studenti-con-disabilita
The exam timetable will be finalised as follows: the day after the registration deadline, an email will be sent asking registered students to confirm (or decline) their attendance at the exam. A reply to this email counts as a response to the roll call. One day before the exam, the final timetable, organised by day and time slot, will be sent to all students: students who have responded to the electronic roll call may sit the exam at the time and on the day indicated in the final timetable. The exam may be taken from the first sitting after the end of the course, with a total of seven sittings available.
Modules or teaching units
Parte A e B
PHIL-01/A - Theoretical Philosophy - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Parte C
PHIL-01/A - Theoretical Philosophy - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)