History of Metaphysics
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
Aim of the course - which belongs to the area of History of Philosophy - is to develop a systematic, in-depth knowledge of significant moments in the history of metaphysics from the antiquity to the contemporary debates, through a critical engagement with both primary texts and the relevant secondary literature.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- understands the vocabulary and knows the methods, the aims and the main subjects of metaphysical thought;
- masters a systematic and in-depth knowledge of the main strands of the metaphysical tradition, based on the study of primary and secondary literature;
- has a philologically well-grounded knowledge of the sources of the texts s/he deals with;
- understands the historical and philosophical meaning of the texts (read also in their original language);
- understands the diverse interpretive takes on the primary sources;
- has proficient knowledge of the bibliographic resources and methodological tools for research on the history of metaphysical concepts and debates.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- can soundly and adequately make use of the knowledge of the vocabulary, methods, and the main subjects of the metaphysical tradition;
- can critically apply the acquired knowledge to historical contextualisation of authors and texts;
- is able to apply the acquired knowledge on the historical development of the argumentative forms and traditions of thought to the analysis of new texts and philosophical views;
- is able to acknowledge the transformation of classical paradigms, traditions and perspectives;
- can confidently and independently apply various interpretations to different topics and new problems;
- masters the methodological and bibliographic tools of historical-philosophical research to produce personal research and discuss the results obtained in presenting them to others, both specialists and non-specialists.
At the end of the course, the student
- understands the vocabulary and knows the methods, the aims and the main subjects of metaphysical thought;
- masters a systematic and in-depth knowledge of the main strands of the metaphysical tradition, based on the study of primary and secondary literature;
- has a philologically well-grounded knowledge of the sources of the texts s/he deals with;
- understands the historical and philosophical meaning of the texts (read also in their original language);
- understands the diverse interpretive takes on the primary sources;
- has proficient knowledge of the bibliographic resources and methodological tools for research on the history of metaphysical concepts and debates.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- can soundly and adequately make use of the knowledge of the vocabulary, methods, and the main subjects of the metaphysical tradition;
- can critically apply the acquired knowledge to historical contextualisation of authors and texts;
- is able to apply the acquired knowledge on the historical development of the argumentative forms and traditions of thought to the analysis of new texts and philosophical views;
- is able to acknowledge the transformation of classical paradigms, traditions and perspectives;
- can confidently and independently apply various interpretations to different topics and new problems;
- masters the methodological and bibliographic tools of historical-philosophical research to produce personal research and discuss the results obtained in presenting them to others, both specialists and non-specialists.
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
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Descartes' Meditations are often taken as the exemplary case of a monological way of thinking. This happpens, however, also because they are mainly read out from the wider context of the discussion Descartes developed with his objectors - a discussion which was meant by him as an integral part of the work. As a matter of fact, the representative variety of the objectors and the quality of their criticism offer an exceptional case study of a confrontation between different philosphical paradigms, and a seminal text for the development of many alternative paths within philosophical modernity.
Prerequisites for admission
No requisite is needed.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons, discussions. During the course tudents will be encouraged to a more active participation through presentation and discussion in class of some selected topics or texts.
Teaching Resources
R. Descartes, Meditations.
____________, Objections ad Replies: I, II, III, IV, VI; selcted passages from V Ob. and Replies.
____________, Objections ad Replies: I, II, III, IV, VI; selcted passages from V Ob. and Replies.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Exam will be oral. Special attention will be devoted to the analysis (understanding and discussion) of the texts in program.The writing of a short paper - possibly related to the topic already presented by the student in class, or on another themes - to be presented before the oral examination, will be required from all students.
M-FIL/06 - HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Di Bella Stefano
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesday 09.30a.m. - 12.30 a.m.
In the office and on Microsoft Teams, Team "Ricevimento SDB" . Access Code: ourk7ks