GREEK ORIGINS OF EUROPEAN PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHT

The course takes place in the second period (November / December) and is the direct completion of what was dealt with in the first module (September/ October): for a total of 12 ECTS. In particular we will face the study of a fundamental work of ancient philosophy, so that the students, through reading, analysis and common discussion, can reach a deep knowledge of ancient philosophical thought. The comparison with the contemporary approach to the same problems will allow us to appreciate the value of the Western philosophical tradition.

The student:
- will know a fundamental text of Greek philosophical culture in depth,
- will master the tools to proceed in the philosophical investigation, also using secondary literature,
- will be able to effectively argue on the topics faced,
- will be able to contextualize what has been learned with respect to the historical period,
- will be able to proceed to the conceptualization of the problems faced.

The success on the course of [FM0398-1] GREEK ORIGINS OF EUROPEAN PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHT I is required.
A basic knowledge of classical languages is also desired.

General theme:
Epictetus’ Philosophy

We will arrive at the specific study of Epictetus's thought once we have deepened the relationship of Stoic Ethics with the physics and logic of the Hellenistic schools.

A) - Epitteto, Tutte le opere, a cura di G. Reale; trad. di C. Cassanmagnago, Milano, Bompiani)

B) One of the following works of your choice:
- A.A. Long, Epictetus: a Stoic and Socratic Guide to Life, New York, Oxford University Press, 2002
- A. Jagu, Épictète et Platon. Essai sur les relations du Stoïcisme et du Platonisme à propos de la Morale des Entretiens, Paris, Vrin 1946
- E. Riondato, Epitteto, Padova, Antenore 1965


C) One of the following essays of your choice (These essays will be available on moodle):
- A.A. Long, ‘Epictetus on Understanding and Managing Emotions’, in From Epicurus to Epictetus, Oxford, Clarendon Press 2006, pp. 377-394
- R. Sorabji, ‘Epictetus on Proairesis’, in T. Scaltsas – A.S. Mason, The Philosophy of Epictetus, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2007, pp. 87-98
- M. Frede, ‘A Notion of a Person in Epictetus’, T. Scaltsas – A.S. Mason, The Philosophy of Epictetus, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2007, pp.153-168
- M. Pohlenz, ‘Epitteto’, in La Stoa, Storia di un movimento spirituale, Firenze, La Nuova Italia, 1979, vol. 2, pp. 104-133
- P. Hadot, ‘Lo stoicismo di Epitteto’, in La cittadella interiore, Milano, Vita e pensiero, 2006, pp. 75-98
- C. Davidson, ‘Foucault on askesis in Epictetus : Freedom through Determination’, in D.R. Gordon and D.B. Suits, Epictetus: His Continuing Influence and Contemporary Relevance, Rochester, New York 2014, pp. 41-53.

Participation in class reports and discussions.
Oral exam.
The student has to show a closed knowledge of Epictetus’ Diatribai, addressed during the lectures. In particular, a paper prepared by the student during the seminar activities will be discussed.

The course is developed in two sections; the second one is structured in a seminar way.
Occasional participation to the conferences of the Ca' Foscari's visiting professors is scheduled.
We practice a close analysis of Epictetus' Diatribai.

Italian

Handouts and other materials available online. In particular, the required secondary literature essays will be available.
In connection with the course will be scheduled a few days of study in which participants include researchers from European universities. During the course lectures will be given prompt notice of this.
For more information, www.philosophia-ve.it/universita

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.

oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development