HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY

This course offers a survey of the history of modern philosophy, covering the major figures in the history of Western thought in the 17th and 18th centuries, within the broadest discipline of the history of philosophy. Specifically the course offers an insight on the latest methodologies of scientific research in the field of the history of philosophy and shows how this discipline can be studied from multiple perspectives and adopting various approaches.

The course aims to provide a good understanding of key problems and ideas which shaped the history of modern philosophy. At the end of the course the students should have a developed understanding of the complexity of early modern philosophy and the ability to undertake an autonomous path in the research field of the history of philosophy. In critically reviewing this history of thought the course also seeks to develop important critical thinking skills.

The course is a research seminar in which the contribution of students is essential for understanding the new research methodologies. The research seminar differs quite radically from the course in the history of early modern philosophy at BA level. It requires work in class (reading of texts) and at home (research on texts) and with the classmates (sharing of the work).

At the end of the course the students
1) should demonstrate knowledge and understanding in Renaissance philosophy that builds upon their education at BA level, and is typically at a level that includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of the philosophical research;
2) could apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to their possible work or vocation, and have competences typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments and solving philosophical problems;
3) should have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data of a historical text to inform judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues;
4) could communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;
5) should have developed those learning skills that are necessary for them to continue to undertake more advanced courses or further study with a high degree of autonomy.

The readings, lectures, and assignments will be designed to
• introduce students to some of the central figures in early modern philosophy (Descartes through Kant) and the questions and arguments that preoccupied them;
• introduce students to philosophical methodology in the history of philosophy;
• foster critical engagement with the ideas and arguments discussed;
• increase competencies in reading and writing philosophical texts.

A detailed knowledge of early modern history in Italy and of the methodology of the history of knowledge

The subject of the course the democratization of knowledge in early modern Italy with a special focus on vernacular Aristotelianism and with the perspective of the history of knowledge. The following topics will be discussed:

1. The meaning of "casting pearls before swine"
2. Problematization of the democratization
3. The problem of language and imitation
4. Reaction against bembism
5. The instatement of the vernacular as a language of knowledge: Pietro Pomponazzi, Sperone Speroni, Alessandro Piccolomini, Giambattista Gelli and Benedetto Varchi
6. The meaning of vulgarizing
7. Theories of vulgarizations: Ludovico Castelvetro, Fausto da Longiano, Francesco Robortello, Orazio Toscanella, Alessandro Piccolomini and Pietro Catena
8. Vulgarizers
9. Intended audience

The professor will provide the documents before class.

Oral examination of 30 minutes

Lectures and seminars with debates on the topics discussed in class.

Italian

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion

Ca’ Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding support services and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). If you have a disability or impairment that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.

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