HISTORY OF PRE-MODERN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The course trains students to analyze texts on ancient philosophy and science, including cosmology, natural philosophy, medicine, and technolog, in the Mediterranean world through close attention to their philosophical, social, and cultural contexts. It also introduces students to the principal methods of the history of science and encourages them to apply these approaches to the study of how ideas and practices concerning the natural world were developed, transmitted, and transformed in antiquity.

1) Knowledge of the central concepts, methods, and intellectual traditions of ancient philosophy and science, including cosmology, natural philosophy, medicine, and technology in the Mediterranean world.
2) Familiarity with the technical vocabulary and primary textual traditions associated with ancient investigations of nature and the cosmos.
3) Understanding of the historical development and transformation of scientific and philosophical ideas concerning the natural world in antiquity.
4) The ability to analyze and interpret ancient philosophical and scientific texts by situating them within their broader social, cultural, and intellectual contexts.
5) The ability to construct historically grounded arguments and narratives concerning the history of ancient science and natural philosophy through critical engagement with primary sources.
6) The ability to critically evaluate modern interpretations and historiographical approaches to ancient science, philosophy, and medicine, both in written work and oral discussion.

There are no prerequisites for the course.

The course examines the history of ancient thought about nature and the cosmos across the Mediterranean world, from Greek antiquity to the Arabic scientific and philosophical traditions. It explores subjects related to philosophy and science such as natural philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and technology while situating them within their broader social, religious, intellectual, and cultural contexts.

Serafina Cuomo, Ancient mathematics
G.E.R. Lloyd, Early Greek Science: Thales to Aristotle
G.E.R. Lloyd, Greek Science After Aristotle
Richard D. McKirahan, Philosophy Before Socrates: An Introduction With Text and Commentary
Vivian Nutton, Ancient Medicine
Peter Adamson, Philosophy in the Islamic World
Dimitri Gutas, Greek Thought, Arabic Culture
David C. Lindberg, The Beginnings of Western Science
Jon McGinnis and David C. Reisman (eds.), Classical Arabic Philosophy: An Anthology of Sources

Primary sources available on Moodle

The final exam will be a written exam designed to evaluate the student's ability to interpret ancient texts regarding the history of philosophy and science.

written

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

The written examination will be evaluated according to the following grading criteria:

18–22:
Students demonstrate an adequate understanding of the assigned readings and related topics, together with a basic ability to analyze information, formulate independent judgments, and communicate their ideas clearly in written form.

23–26:
Students demonstrate a solid understanding of the assigned readings and related topics, as well as a competent ability to interpret information, develop independent arguments, and express themselves effectively in writing.

27–30:
Students demonstrate strong or excellent mastery of the assigned readings and related topics, together with a well-developed capacity for critical analysis, independent judgment, and precise, appropriate written communication.

30 e lode:
The highest distinction will be awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding knowledge and comprehension of the course materials and related subjects, combined with exceptional analytical and written communicative abilities.

The course will be based on lectures.

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.