HISTORY OF ETHICAL AND RELIGIOUS THOUGHT

This course is part of the Master’s Degree of Philosophical Sciences and the inter-university Master’s Degree of Religious Studies. The objective of the course is to provide an overview of the main ethical and religious issues both from a theoretical point of view and, above all, from a historical point of view. Such an overview is crucial for the development of critical thinking and for understanding the theoretical reasons within the historical and social dimensions of the ethical and political challenges of modernity; as well as for a wise and thorough evaluation of religion. Particular attention is paid to an exhaustive reading and a critical analysis of the proposed philosophical works.

The course will allow students to:

A. Understand the discipline’s fundamental issues and paths both from a conceptual point of view and from a historical point of view, which means studying them intelligently, grasping their sense and articulation;
B. Develop independent judgment for evaluating such issues;
C. Be able to critically analyze the texts proposed by the teacher;
D. Demonstrate good oral and written presentation skills, to be able to elaborate a philosophical argument using appropriate terms;
E. Finally, because it is a moral discipline, students should be aware that this course is not aimed at mere acquisition of knowledge, but also at developing a philosophical practice, as was the case in antiquity. Therefore, the course focuses on the issue of the construction of the self in philosophy as a way of life and as a way of thinking.

Knowledge of the general frameworks of history of moral philosophy and of philosophy of religions.

Necessity and the Good. On the Thought of Simone Weil

Pain is an ancient companion of existence. At times it erupts in a cry, as in Greek tragedy; at others, it becomes a whisper in the subdued lines of a poem or weaves itself into the notes of a melancholy melody. It may also take form in the hardness of stone, in the dark hues of a painting, or become the object of philosophical reflection within the pages of a treatise. Pain has always crossed the centuries, nestled in the folds of history, and carved its features into its face.
Yet pain is not solely human; it belongs to every form of life, to every substance. The ancients perceived it as a lament echoing even in inanimate things—in stones, in objects: mute elements, yes, but not for that reason immune to suffering. “Sunt lacrimae rerum”, wrote Virgil – even things weep.
Nothing, in truth, is exempt from dissolution. No being escapes the destructive force of time and death. All of nature knows pain: beasts endure it, plants suffer it.
But only the human being – fragile, conscious, aware – experiences misfortune in its full depth, for we do not merely endure it or suffer it. We understand it, represent it, recognize it, and at times, we share it. And from this sharing, compassion is born—or better, can be born.
But what is compassion, truly? An instinct? A reflex? A spiritual disposition? A participatory gaze?
This course seeks to explore how Simone Weil conceived the "question" of sharing another’s suffering. A dialogue with thinkers such as Plato, Leopardi, and Spinoza will allow us to grasp the originality and depth of her vision of compassion. As we shall see, for Weil, authentic compassion is rooted in the acceptance of Necessity – an impersonal and inescapable order that governs the world. Yet from this harsh foundation, compassion opens – through attention and obedience to reality—onto a higher dimension, where the Good does not erase suffering, but rather preserves its mystery.

The student will bring to the exam one of the following works by Simone Weil (of their choice):

S. Weil, Attesa di Dio, Adelphi, Milano 2008;

or:

S. Weil, La rivelazione greca, Adelphi, Milano 2014.

All students are required to bring to the exam:

AA. VV., Necessità e Bene. Intorno al pensiero di Simone Weil, il melangolo, Genova 2025.

The evaluation will be based on an oral exam. The assessment will concern the knowledge and the clear exposition of themes and problems of the course.

oral

A. Scores in the range of 18-22 will be awarded to those who demonstrate:
• sufficient knowledge and understanding of the program.
B. Scores in the range of 23-26 will be awarded to those who demonstrate:
• a fair knowledge and understanding of the program.
C. Scores in the range of 27-30 will be awarded to those who demonstrate:
• good or excellent knowledge and understanding of the program.
D. The grade of 30 cum laude will be awarded only to those who demonstrate:
• outstanding knowledge and understanding of the program.

The teaching is organized in a series of lectures.

Ca' Foscari applies 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.