History of Medieval Philosophy
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide students, through the study of relevant authors and problems, with a general understanding of the history of medieval thought and its contribution to the development of ideas, argumentative forms and philosophical and scientific lexicon. The course also aims to provide students with the cognitive tools that allow them to read critically and comment autonomously on a philosophical text.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- knows the fundamental aspects of the history of Western medieval 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 philosophy
- knows the fundamental philosophical lexicon, the literary genres, the argumentative forms of medieval thought
- knows the basic methodological tools of research in the history of philosophy
- understands the relationships connecting the history of Western medieval philosophy to the history of scientific thought, to political history, to society and to theological and religious tradition.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the study path, the student
- can apply the knowledge acquired in the historical context of the authors and texts
- is able to apply the knowledge acquired in vocabulary, argumentation and text analysis to the analysis and interpretation of other texts
- can apply the basic knowledge and reading methods learned in class to other philosophical texts.
At the end of the course, the student
- knows the fundamental aspects of the history of Western medieval 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 philosophy
- knows the fundamental philosophical lexicon, the literary genres, the argumentative forms of medieval thought
- knows the basic methodological tools of research in the history of philosophy
- understands the relationships connecting the history of Western medieval philosophy to the history of scientific thought, to political history, to society and to theological and religious tradition.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the study path, the student
- can apply the knowledge acquired in the historical context of the authors and texts
- is able to apply the knowledge acquired in vocabulary, argumentation and text analysis to the analysis and interpretation of other texts
- can 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 can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
[A-K]
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Common program for both the 6 and 9 ECTS credit exams:
1. One of the following textbooks:
"La filosofia nel Medioevo," in "Filosofia cultura cittadinanza," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2011, pp. 438-590;
"Il Medioevo," in "Filosofia e cultura," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2007, pp. 454-481 and pp. 516-689;
"Storia della filosofia occidentale," edited by G. Cambiano, L. Fonnesu, M. Mori, vol. 2, Il Mulino, Bologna 2014, pp. 17-257 (to be supplemented with one of the aforementioned textbooks limited to the thought of Augustine of Hippo).
The use of other high school or university level textbooks must be agreed upon with the teacher in advance.
2. Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi et. al., Milano, Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004:
· Augustine, pp. 15-18, 19-28;
· Boethius, pp. 33-45;
· Pseudo-Dionysius, pp. 47-58;
· Anselm and Gaunilo, pp. 107-122;
· Abelard, pp. pp. 123-128, 131-134;
· William of Conches and Adelard of Bath, pp. 135-149;
· Bonaventure, pp. 203-205, 209-211;
· Roger Bacon, pp. 217-220, 228-230;
· Albertus Magnus, pp. 231-245;
· Boethius of Dacia, pp. 247-251, 257-265;
· Thomas Aquinas, pp. 267-285;
· William of Ockham, pp. 353-366;
Oresme, pp. 387-396.
Additions for the 9 ECTS credit program:
3.1. Pietro Abelardo, Dialogo fra un filosofo, un giudeo e un cristiano, pref. di D. Bidussa, BUR, Milano 2009.
3.2. J. Jolivet, Abelardo. Dialettica e mistero, Jaca Book, Milano 1996, pp. 71-111 (scans available on MyAriel)
Additions for non-attending students:
For the 6 or 9 ECTS credit exam:
L. Bianchi, "L'acculturazione filosofica dell'Occidente" and "Le università e il 'decollo scientifico' dell'Occidente", in La filosofia nelle Università: secoli XIII-XIV, a cura di L. Bianchi, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 1997, pp. 1-61 (available on MyAriel).
For the 9 ECTS credit exam:
J. Jolivet, Abelardo. Dialettica e mistero, pp. 19-69.
International students who do not read Italian can agree with the lecturer on a complete bibliography in English.
1. One of the following textbooks:
"La filosofia nel Medioevo," in "Filosofia cultura cittadinanza," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2011, pp. 438-590;
"Il Medioevo," in "Filosofia e cultura," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2007, pp. 454-481 and pp. 516-689;
"Storia della filosofia occidentale," edited by G. Cambiano, L. Fonnesu, M. Mori, vol. 2, Il Mulino, Bologna 2014, pp. 17-257 (to be supplemented with one of the aforementioned textbooks limited to the thought of Augustine of Hippo).
The use of other high school or university level textbooks must be agreed upon with the teacher in advance.
2. Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi et. al., Milano, Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004:
· Augustine, pp. 15-18, 19-28;
· Boethius, pp. 33-45;
· Pseudo-Dionysius, pp. 47-58;
· Anselm and Gaunilo, pp. 107-122;
· Abelard, pp. pp. 123-128, 131-134;
· William of Conches and Adelard of Bath, pp. 135-149;
· Bonaventure, pp. 203-205, 209-211;
· Roger Bacon, pp. 217-220, 228-230;
· Albertus Magnus, pp. 231-245;
· Boethius of Dacia, pp. 247-251, 257-265;
· Thomas Aquinas, pp. 267-285;
· William of Ockham, pp. 353-366;
Oresme, pp. 387-396.
Additions for the 9 ECTS credit program:
3.1. Pietro Abelardo, Dialogo fra un filosofo, un giudeo e un cristiano, pref. di D. Bidussa, BUR, Milano 2009.
3.2. J. Jolivet, Abelardo. Dialettica e mistero, Jaca Book, Milano 1996, pp. 71-111 (scans available on MyAriel)
Additions for non-attending students:
For the 6 or 9 ECTS credit exam:
L. Bianchi, "L'acculturazione filosofica dell'Occidente" and "Le università e il 'decollo scientifico' dell'Occidente", in La filosofia nelle Università: secoli XIII-XIV, a cura di L. Bianchi, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 1997, pp. 1-61 (available on MyAriel).
For the 9 ECTS credit exam:
J. Jolivet, Abelardo. Dialettica e mistero, pp. 19-69.
International students who do not read Italian can agree with the lecturer on a complete bibliography in English.
Prerequisites for admission
Specific preliminary notions are not required
Teaching methods
Lectures and debates
Teaching Resources
Common program for both the 6 and 9 ECTS credit exams:
1. One of the following textbooks:
"La filosofia nel Medioevo," in "Filosofia cultura cittadinanza," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2011, pp. 438-590;
"Il Medioevo," in "Filosofia e cultura," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2007, pp. 454-481 and pp. 516-689;
"Storia della filosofia occidentale," edited by G. Cambiano, L. Fonnesu, M. Mori, vol. 2, Il Mulino, Bologna 2014, pp. 17-257 (to be supplemented with one of the aforementioned textbooks limited to the thought of Augustine of Hippo).
The use of other high school or university level textbooks must be agreed upon with the teacher in advance.
2. Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi et. al., Milano, Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004:
· Augustine, pp. 15-18, 19-28;
· Boethius, pp. 33-45;
· Pseudo-Dionysius, pp. 47-58;
· Anselm and Gaunilo, pp. 107-122;
· Abelard, pp. pp. 123-128, 131-134;
· William of Conches and Adelard of Bath, pp. 135-149;
· Bonaventure, pp. 203-205, 209-211;
· Roger Bacon, pp. 217-220, 228-230;
· Albertus Magnus, pp. 231-245;
· Boethius of Dacia, pp. 247-251, 257-265;
· Thomas Aquinas, pp. 267-285;
· William of Ockham, pp. 353-366;
Oresme, pp. 387-396.
Additions for the 9 ECTS credit program:
3.1. Pietro Abelardo, Dialogo fra un filosofo, un giudeo e un cristiano, pref. di D. Bidussa, BUR, Milano 2009.
3.2. J. Jolivet, Abelardo. Dialettica e mistero, Jaca Book, Milano 1996, pp. 71-111 (scans available on MyAriel)
Additions for non-attending students:
For the 6 or 9 ECTS credit exam:
L. Bianchi, "L'acculturazione filosofica dell'Occidente" and "Le università e il 'decollo scientifico' dell'Occidente", in La filosofia nelle Università: secoli XIII-XIV, a cura di L. Bianchi, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 1997, pp. 1-61 (scans available on MyAriel).
For the 9 ECTS credit exam:
J. Jolivet, Abelardo. Dialettica e mistero, pp. 19-69.
International students who do not read Italian can agree with the lecturer on a complete bibliography in English.
1. One of the following textbooks:
"La filosofia nel Medioevo," in "Filosofia cultura cittadinanza," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2011, pp. 438-590;
"Il Medioevo," in "Filosofia e cultura," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2007, pp. 454-481 and pp. 516-689;
"Storia della filosofia occidentale," edited by G. Cambiano, L. Fonnesu, M. Mori, vol. 2, Il Mulino, Bologna 2014, pp. 17-257 (to be supplemented with one of the aforementioned textbooks limited to the thought of Augustine of Hippo).
The use of other high school or university level textbooks must be agreed upon with the teacher in advance.
2. Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi et. al., Milano, Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004:
· Augustine, pp. 15-18, 19-28;
· Boethius, pp. 33-45;
· Pseudo-Dionysius, pp. 47-58;
· Anselm and Gaunilo, pp. 107-122;
· Abelard, pp. pp. 123-128, 131-134;
· William of Conches and Adelard of Bath, pp. 135-149;
· Bonaventure, pp. 203-205, 209-211;
· Roger Bacon, pp. 217-220, 228-230;
· Albertus Magnus, pp. 231-245;
· Boethius of Dacia, pp. 247-251, 257-265;
· Thomas Aquinas, pp. 267-285;
· William of Ockham, pp. 353-366;
Oresme, pp. 387-396.
Additions for the 9 ECTS credit program:
3.1. Pietro Abelardo, Dialogo fra un filosofo, un giudeo e un cristiano, pref. di D. Bidussa, BUR, Milano 2009.
3.2. J. Jolivet, Abelardo. Dialettica e mistero, Jaca Book, Milano 1996, pp. 71-111 (scans available on MyAriel)
Additions for non-attending students:
For the 6 or 9 ECTS credit exam:
L. Bianchi, "L'acculturazione filosofica dell'Occidente" and "Le università e il 'decollo scientifico' dell'Occidente", in La filosofia nelle Università: secoli XIII-XIV, a cura di L. Bianchi, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 1997, pp. 1-61 (scans available on MyAriel).
For the 9 ECTS credit exam:
J. Jolivet, Abelardo. Dialettica e mistero, pp. 19-69.
International students who do not read Italian can agree with the lecturer on a complete bibliography in English.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final examination consists of a 30 minutes oral exam, whose purpose is to test the knowledge and skills acquired by students. The grading system for the final exam is based on a 0-30 scale, 18 being the lowest passing mark. Evaluation criteria:
- knowledge of the handbook, of the texts and of the essays examined during the course (knowledge);
- ability to understand concepts and arguments (understanding)
- ability to critically evaluate different interpretations of texts and historical problems (development);
- use of language (exposition).
- knowledge of the handbook, of the texts and of the essays examined during the course (knowledge);
- ability to understand concepts and arguments (understanding)
- ability to critically evaluate different interpretations of texts and historical problems (development);
- use of language (exposition).
Unita' didattica A
M-FIL/08 - HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-FIL/08 - HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-FIL/08 - HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
[L-Z]
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course is recommended for second-year Philosophy students, but it can also be taken by all other undergraduate students majoring in Philosophy, as well as those enrolled in other degree programs that allow for the choice of the exam in History of Medieval Philosophy for 6 or 9 ECTS credits.
It will provide:
1. A general overview of the main philosophical traditions and some of the major authors of medieval thought, guiding the preparation for the exam section focused on assessing the knowledge of the development of medieval thought and the framework in which the more specific topics covered in the second part of the course are situated;
2. An analytical reading of some texts by these authors translated into Italian in the anthology Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi et. al., Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004;
3. An analytical reading of the "Dialogue between a Philosopher, a Jew and a Christian" by Peter Abaelard, in Italian or English translation.
It will provide:
1. A general overview of the main philosophical traditions and some of the major authors of medieval thought, guiding the preparation for the exam section focused on assessing the knowledge of the development of medieval thought and the framework in which the more specific topics covered in the second part of the course are situated;
2. An analytical reading of some texts by these authors translated into Italian in the anthology Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi et. al., Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004;
3. An analytical reading of the "Dialogue between a Philosopher, a Jew and a Christian" by Peter Abaelard, in Italian or English translation.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prerequisites, other than those required for admission to the Course of Study.
Teaching methods
Lectures and discussions.
No additional teaching activities or exercises are scheduled.
Teaching will use instructional materials made available through Ariel and Teams.
No additional teaching activities or exercises are scheduled.
Teaching will use instructional materials made available through Ariel and Teams.
Teaching Resources
Common program for both the 6 and 9 ECTS credit exams:
1. One of the following textbooks:
"La filosofia nel Medioevo," in "Filosofia cultura cittadinanza," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2011, pp. 438-590;
"Il Medioevo," in "Filosofia e cultura," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2007, pp. 454-481 and pp. 516-689;
"Storia della filosofia occidentale," edited by G. Cambiano, L. Fonnesu, M. Mori, vol. 2, Il Mulino, Bologna 2014, pp. 17-257 (to be supplemented with one of the aforementioned textbooks limited to the thought of Augustine of Hippo).
The use of other high school or university level textbooks must be agreed upon with the teacher in advance.
2. Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi et. al., Milano, Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004:
· Augustine, pp. 15-18, 19-28;
· Boethius, pp. 33-45;
· Pseudo-Dionysius, pp. 47-58;
· Anselm and Gaunilo, pp. 107-122;
· Abelard, pp. 123-134;
· William of Conches and Adelard of Bath, pp. 135-149;
· Robert Grosseteste, pp. 187-189, 190-192, 195-199;
· Bonaventure, pp. 203-205, 209-211;
· Roger Bacon, pp. 217-220, 228-230;
· Albertus Magnus, pp. 231-245;
· Boethius of Dacia, pp. 247-251, 257-265;
· Thomas Aquinas, pp. 267-285;
· William of Ockham, pp. 353-366.
Additions for the 9 ECTS credit program:
3.1. Pietro Abelardo, Dialogo fra un filosofo, un giudeo e un cristiano, pref. di D. Bidussa, BUR, Milano 2009.
3.2. J. Jolivet, Abelardo. Dialettica e mistero, Jaca Book, Milano 1996, pp. 71-111 (scans available on MyAriel)
.
Additions for non-attending students:
For the 6 or 9 ECTS credit exam:
L. Bianchi, "L'acculturazione filosofica dell'Occidente" e "Le università e il 'decollo scientifico' dell'Occidente", in La filosofia nelle Università: secoli XIII-XIV, a cura di L. Bianchi, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 1997, pp. 1-61 (available on MyAriel).
For the 9 ECTS credit exam:
J. Jolivet, Abelardo. Dialettica e mistero, pp. 19-69.
International students who do not read Italian can agree with the lecturer on a complete bibliography in English.
1. One of the following textbooks:
"La filosofia nel Medioevo," in "Filosofia cultura cittadinanza," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2011, pp. 438-590;
"Il Medioevo," in "Filosofia e cultura," edited by A. La Vergata and F. Trabattoni, vol. 1, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 2007, pp. 454-481 and pp. 516-689;
"Storia della filosofia occidentale," edited by G. Cambiano, L. Fonnesu, M. Mori, vol. 2, Il Mulino, Bologna 2014, pp. 17-257 (to be supplemented with one of the aforementioned textbooks limited to the thought of Augustine of Hippo).
The use of other high school or university level textbooks must be agreed upon with the teacher in advance.
2. Filosofia medievale, a cura di M. Bettetini, L. Bianchi et. al., Milano, Raffaello Cortina, Milano 2004:
· Augustine, pp. 15-18, 19-28;
· Boethius, pp. 33-45;
· Pseudo-Dionysius, pp. 47-58;
· Anselm and Gaunilo, pp. 107-122;
· Abelard, pp. 123-134;
· William of Conches and Adelard of Bath, pp. 135-149;
· Robert Grosseteste, pp. 187-189, 190-192, 195-199;
· Bonaventure, pp. 203-205, 209-211;
· Roger Bacon, pp. 217-220, 228-230;
· Albertus Magnus, pp. 231-245;
· Boethius of Dacia, pp. 247-251, 257-265;
· Thomas Aquinas, pp. 267-285;
· William of Ockham, pp. 353-366.
Additions for the 9 ECTS credit program:
3.1. Pietro Abelardo, Dialogo fra un filosofo, un giudeo e un cristiano, pref. di D. Bidussa, BUR, Milano 2009.
3.2. J. Jolivet, Abelardo. Dialettica e mistero, Jaca Book, Milano 1996, pp. 71-111 (scans available on MyAriel)
.
Additions for non-attending students:
For the 6 or 9 ECTS credit exam:
L. Bianchi, "L'acculturazione filosofica dell'Occidente" e "Le università e il 'decollo scientifico' dell'Occidente", in La filosofia nelle Università: secoli XIII-XIV, a cura di L. Bianchi, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 1997, pp. 1-61 (available on MyAriel).
For the 9 ECTS credit exam:
J. Jolivet, Abelardo. Dialettica e mistero, pp. 19-69.
International students who do not read Italian can agree with the lecturer on a complete bibliography in English.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral interview lasting approximately 30 minutes aimed at assessing acquired knowledge and competencies. The evaluation is on a thirty-point scale (with 18 as the minimum required grade to pass the exam).
During the exam, the following will be evaluated:
- The level of knowledge of the textbook, the texts, and the studies in the program (knowledge);
- The ability to understand concepts and arguments (comprehension);
- The autonomy of judgment in critically evaluating different interpretations of texts and historical problems (development);
- Communication skills in explaining acquired competencies (explanation).
Non-attending students will not be questioned on topics covered exclusively in lectures.
During the exam, the following will be evaluated:
- The level of knowledge of the textbook, the texts, and the studies in the program (knowledge);
- The ability to understand concepts and arguments (comprehension);
- The autonomy of judgment in critically evaluating different interpretations of texts and historical problems (development);
- Communication skills in explaining acquired competencies (explanation).
Non-attending students will not be questioned on topics covered exclusively in lectures.
Unita' didattica A
M-FIL/08 - HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-FIL/08 - HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-FIL/08 - HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Office hours will take place on Wednesdays, 2.30-5.00 pm
In my office (first floor) and on MS Teams (please, send an email to agree on the reception time)