HISTORY OF PRE-MODERN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The course trains students to analyze texts and traditions in pre-modern philosophy and science, with particular attention to cosmology, natural philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and technology in the Mediterranean world. It also introduces students to the principal methods of the history of science and philosophy and encourages them to apply these approaches to the study of how ideas, texts, and practices concerning the natural world were developed, transmitted, and transformed from Greek antiquity to the Arabic scientific and philosophical traditions.

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

No specific prerequisites are required for the course.

The course examines the history of thought about nature and the cosmos across the Mediterranean world, from Greek antiquity to the Arabic scientific and philosophical traditions. It explores topics in philosophy and science, including cosmology, natural philosophy, astronomy, medicine, and technology, while situating them within their broader social, religious, intellectual, and cultural contexts. Particular attention will be paid to the transmission, reception, and transformation of ideas across different languages, communities, and textual traditions.

Some recommended readings:
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
Heraclitus, Fragments (tr. Brooks Haxton)
Jonathan Barnes, Aristotle: A Very Short Introduction
Catherine Osborne, Presocratic Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction
The Collected Dialogues of Plato (tr. John M. Cooper)

Primary sources and additional readings will be made available on Moodle.

The course will be based primarily on lectures, supplemented by close reading and guided recommended of primary sources and selected materials. International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the course instructor.

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. The bibliography is the same for both attending and non-attending students.

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.