History of Contemporary Metaphysics
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to allow the students to acquire the theoretical, methodological and critical tools characterizing the metaphysical studies, together with a sound general knowledge of the historical evolution in contemporary era. To comply with the typically interdisciplinary character of philosophical research, the course considers the ever-closer relationships that metaphysics and ontology developed with other philosophical and scientific disciplines, with innovative applications that are also practical.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
- understands the lexicon and knows the methods, the purpose and the research topics of metaphysics
- understands the historical and theoretical meaning of the texts (also in their original language) and the transformations of traditions, concepts and argumentative forms within the discipline
- masters a systematic and in-depth knowledge of the history of contemporary metaphysics, acquired through the reading of the texts and the study of secondary literature
- has proficient knowledge of the bibliographic resources and methodological tools characterising the research in contemporary metaphysics
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the study path, the student
- can soundly and adequately make use of the philosophical lexicon
- is able to follow and evaluate the contemporary debate in metaphysics and 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 proposals in the field
- is able to acknowledge the transformation of classical paradigms, traditions and perspectives
- is able to connect the contemporary debate in metaphysics with other philosophical and scientific disciplines
- is confident and autonomous in the application of the different paradigms in metaphysics to different topics and new problems
- can master and apply the methodological resources and bibliographic tools of historical-philosophical research and can produce original research, discussing the results obtained and presenting them to others, both specialists and non-specialists.
At the end of the course, the student
- understands the lexicon and knows the methods, the purpose and the research topics of metaphysics
- understands the historical and theoretical meaning of the texts (also in their original language) and the transformations of traditions, concepts and argumentative forms within the discipline
- masters a systematic and in-depth knowledge of the history of contemporary metaphysics, acquired through the reading of the texts and the study of secondary literature
- has proficient knowledge of the bibliographic resources and methodological tools characterising the research in contemporary metaphysics
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the study path, the student
- can soundly and adequately make use of the philosophical lexicon
- is able to follow and evaluate the contemporary debate in metaphysics and 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 proposals in the field
- is able to acknowledge the transformation of classical paradigms, traditions and perspectives
- is able to connect the contemporary debate in metaphysics with other philosophical and scientific disciplines
- is confident and autonomous in the application of the different paradigms in metaphysics to different topics and new problems
- can master and apply the methodological resources and bibliographic tools of historical-philosophical research and can produce original research, discussing the results obtained and presenting them to others, both specialists and non-specialists.
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
Course syllabus
The syllabus is shared with the following courses:
- [BBJ-5](https://www.unimi.it/en/ugov/of/af202600000bbj-5)
- [BBJ-5](https://www.unimi.it/en/ugov/of/af202600000bbj-5)
M-FIL/06 - HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professors:
Ceron Annalisa Antonia, Volpe Alessandro
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday, 9.15-12.15. Please, write an e-mail to arrange an appointment.
Teams and/or office