History of Ancient Philosophy (MA)
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course aims to offer a clear overview of the history of ancient philosophy, along with the ability to analyze and interpret the most significant texts of the most importantly referenced authors. It also aims to make the student become aware of historical perspective and distance, as well as the problems associated with it (with particular reference to the use of historiographic awareness for the purposes of modern philosophical research). Finally, the course aims to provide lexical and conceptual tools suitable for historical-philosophical communication, with particular reference to ancient thinking, both scientific and popular.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge:
In-depth knowledge of the history of ancient philosophy through direct interaction with the texts of fundamental classical authors, such as Plato and Aristotle.
A sure understanding of the theoretical and historical significance of the texts addressed in lessons and a more general understanding of some of the central connection of ancient thought with full awareness of the transformation over time of the concepts and the argumentative forms in relation to language and reality.
Skills: Ability to critically apply the knowledge learned in reading and commenting on ancient philosophical texts of a certain complexity, framing them historically.
Ability to apply the acquired knowledge on ancient thinking, specifically on the relationship between language and reality, to the analysis of new textual and theoretical places compared to those addressed in the lesson.
Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, deepen their knowledge of main topics through special readings with the agreement with the instructor, and of course contact the instructor either by e-mail and during office hours.
In-depth knowledge of the history of ancient philosophy through direct interaction with the texts of fundamental classical authors, such as Plato and Aristotle.
A sure understanding of the theoretical and historical significance of the texts addressed in lessons and a more general understanding of some of the central connection of ancient thought with full awareness of the transformation over time of the concepts and the argumentative forms in relation to language and reality.
Skills: Ability to critically apply the knowledge learned in reading and commenting on ancient philosophical texts of a certain complexity, framing them historically.
Ability to apply the acquired knowledge on ancient thinking, specifically on the relationship between language and reality, to the analysis of new textual and theoretical places compared to those addressed in the lesson.
Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, deepen their knowledge of main topics through special readings with the agreement with the instructor, and of course contact the instructor either by e-mail and during office hours.
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
Lectures will be delivered remotely, principally in asynchronous format via Ariel.
On the course page on Ariel, students will be able to find all the information on the lectures and any changes to the programme and its related documents (bibliography etc) in case of lockdown.
In case it proves impossible to hold the exam face to face, the exam will take place remotely, in ways which will be communicated on the course page on Ariel at the end of the course.
On the course page on Ariel, students will be able to find all the information on the lectures and any changes to the programme and its related documents (bibliography etc) in case of lockdown.
In case it proves impossible to hold the exam face to face, the exam will take place remotely, in ways which will be communicated on the course page on Ariel at the end of the course.
Course syllabus
Title of the course: The central books of Aristotle's Metaphysics (VII-IX = Ζ, Η Θ)
First part: Metaphysics VII (Ζ)
Second part Metaphysics VII and VIII (Ζ-Η)
Third part: Metaphysics VIII and IX (Η-Θ)
First part: Metaphysics VII (Ζ)
Second part Metaphysics VII and VIII (Ζ-Η)
Third part: Metaphysics VIII and IX (Η-Θ)
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission.
Teaching methods
Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not compulsory. The teaching is delivered through frontal lectures aimed primarily at the acquisition of knowledge, competence and specific language of the subject. The major part of the teaching consists of the explanation and commentary of ancient philosophical texts; its aim is to enable the students to acquire interpretative skills and critical attitudes. The teaching is also based on didactic material provided on Ariel.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
- Aristotle, Metaphysics. The edition udes in the classroom is Bompiani (tr. by d G. Reale). But are allowed also Bur (ed. M. Zanatta), Laterza (ed. E. Berti) and Utet (tr. C.A. Viano). Only the latter does not includes the Greek text (useful for student coming from "liceo classico")
Program for 6 CFU:
- Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules 1 and 2)
- P.L. Donini, La Metafisica di Aristotele, Carocci
Program for 9 CFU;
- knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules 1, 2 and 3)
- P.L. Donini, La Metafisica di Aristotele, Carocci
Non-attending students:
Program for 6 CFU:
- P.L. Donini, La Metafisica di Aristotele, Carocci
- E. Berti, Nuovi Studi Aristotelici, V - Dialettica, fisica, antropologia, metafisica, Morcelliana 2020, capitoli 1, 2, 4, 7, 12, 15, 20.
Program for 9 CFU:
- P.L. Donini, La Metafisica di Aristotele, Carocci
- L. Cardullo, Aristotele, Metafisica, libri A, a, B; Carocci
- E. Berti, Nuovi Studi Aristotelici, V - Dialettica, fisica, antropologia, metafisica, Morcelliana 2020, capitoli 1, 2, 4, 7, 12, 15, 20.
International and Erasmus students are invited to promptly get in touch with the professor in order to arrange a reading plan (available in English) for exam preparation.
- Aristotle, Metaphysics. The edition udes in the classroom is Bompiani (tr. by d G. Reale). But are allowed also Bur (ed. M. Zanatta), Laterza (ed. E. Berti) and Utet (tr. C.A. Viano). Only the latter does not includes the Greek text (useful for student coming from "liceo classico")
Program for 6 CFU:
- Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules 1 and 2)
- P.L. Donini, La Metafisica di Aristotele, Carocci
Program for 9 CFU;
- knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules 1, 2 and 3)
- P.L. Donini, La Metafisica di Aristotele, Carocci
Non-attending students:
Program for 6 CFU:
- P.L. Donini, La Metafisica di Aristotele, Carocci
- E. Berti, Nuovi Studi Aristotelici, V - Dialettica, fisica, antropologia, metafisica, Morcelliana 2020, capitoli 1, 2, 4, 7, 12, 15, 20.
Program for 9 CFU:
- P.L. Donini, La Metafisica di Aristotele, Carocci
- L. Cardullo, Aristotele, Metafisica, libri A, a, B; Carocci
- E. Berti, Nuovi Studi Aristotelici, V - Dialettica, fisica, antropologia, metafisica, Morcelliana 2020, capitoli 1, 2, 4, 7, 12, 15, 20.
International and Erasmus students are invited to promptly get in touch with the professor in order to arrange a reading plan (available in English) for exam preparation.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The evaluation method in an oral exam. The aim of the exam is to ascertain knowledge and skills acquired in the comprehension and commentary of the texts proposed in classroom. Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
Unita' didattica A
M-FIL/07 - HISTORY OF ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-FIL/07 - HISTORY OF ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-FIL/07 - HISTORY OF ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Thursday 14.30 - 17.30, by appointment
Sector B, Department of Historical Studies, third floor