HISTORY OF ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY

The course is part of the more general framework of the history of philosophy and aims to study in depth authors, themes and problems of Greek and Roman thought. The course aims to study, in particular, from a historical and analytical perspective a specific theme, through the reading and commentary of one or more classical philosophical texts, in translation with the original text opposite, as well as to explain their relevance for the further developments of the philosophical thought.The teaching constitutes the first part of a 12 cfu course. The first part is held during the third term; the second part during the fourth one.

By the end of the course, students should possess
1) a thorough knowledge of the author, the subject matter and the texts dealt with.
2) a technical and specific terminology.
2) the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to the critical study of philosophical texts; to discuss theoretical and exegetical issues and solutions in an argued and relevant manner;
3) the ability to expound and communicate comprehensively and effectively in oral and written form the contents learned.

Have a basic knowledge of the history of ancient, Hellenistic and late ancient philosophy acquired through the study of a good textbook (recommended F. Ferrari, La filosofia antica, Le Monnier Universitaria, Milano 2024).

The course will be devoted to the study of Aristotelian practical philosophy as a domain of knowledge autonomous from both the theoretical and productive spheres, with its own aim, object, and method, with particular attention to Ethics. The object of analysis will be the Nicomachean Ethics. In particular, after a general overview of the contents of the books respectively devoted to the rational investigation of the ultimate good (Book I) and to the examination of ethical virtue (Book II), Books III (where Aristotle analyzes the notions of the voluntary, the involuntary, mixed actions, the non-voluntary, deliberation, and choice), VI (the intellectual virtues and phronesis), and VII (akrasia, or weakness of the will) will be read and commented upon. During the course, three lectures by Professor Emeritus of History of Philosophy Lucio Cortella will be hosted, focusing on the contemporary relevance of Aristotelian ethics. Over the course of the twentieth century, Aristotelian practical philosophy underwent a genuine revival, initially in Germany and later, toward the end of the century, in the United States as well. The reason for this success lies in the way Aristotle characterizes the specificity of practical rationality in contrast to theoretical rationality. Aristotelian practical rationality has thus been regarded as a general philosophical model to be set against both traditional metaphysical thought and modern scientific rationality. The aim of these lectures is to investigate the fundamental themes that have characterized this revival, and in particular the ways in which, in the twentieth century, the following aspects of Aristotelian ethics have been emphasized. The lectures will be structured as follows: a) the distinctive structure of praxis, as opposed to the domain of technical production (poiesis); b) the specificity of phronesis as a model of practical rationality, in contrast to theoretical science; c) the centrality of ethos as the social and communal root of ethics and politics, as opposed to modern moral subjectivism.
Reference authors will include (among others): Heidegger, Gadamer, Arendt, Bubner, Ritter, Höffe, Habermas, MacIntyre, Taylor.

C. Natali (a cura di), Aristotele. Etica Nicomachea, Laterza, Roma-Bari
F. Farina, Le Etiche di Aristotele. La responsabilità, gli agenti, la polis, Edizioni ETS
C. Natali, La saggezza in Aristotele, Bibliopolis, Napoli.
Altri testi di approfondimento saranno indicati a lezione

Preparation will be tested by a thirty minutes examination interview in which the historical-philosophical comprehension of the themes addressed, the acquisition of a technical vocabulary; the logical-argumentative ability applied to the analysis of the texts will be ascertained. The presentation and discussion of a paper will be requested.

oral

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

Grading will be determined by
historical and philosophical understanding of the topics addressed: up to 10 points;
writing and presentation of a paper: up to 10 points;
acquisition of specialist vocabulary: up to 5 points;
logical argumentative ability applied to the analysis of texts: up to 5 points.

Lectures, seminars, conferences

Guidance will be given on how to write and present a paper
Materials will be available in Moodle from the first day of class