HISTORY OF ITALIAN POLITICAL THOUGHT

In line with the Master’s degree program, the course introduces the fundamental problems and key concepts in the history of Italian political thought, with particular attention to its main theoretical and interpretive traditions.

By the end of the course, students will have developed the ability to think critically about the history of Italian political thought and the significance of the topics discussed in class, as well as to recognize their implications for the contemporary world, and will be able to communicate in a more appropriate and informed manner.

A good general education and a solid foundational preparation acquired in upper secondary school are required, with particular reference to Italian history, as well as a good undergraduate-level background in philosophy, in line with the prerequisites of a Master’s degree program in Philosophical Sciences.

Philosophy and Politics in Italy during the ‘Long 1970s’
This course analyses the relationship between philosophy and politics in Italy during the ‘long 1970s’, through some of the most significant voices in the theoretical and public debate of the era. Following a brief introduction to the historical, political and cultural context, various perspectives will be examined: that of Mario Tronti, who, in Operai e capitale, reinterprets the conflict between labour and capital by placing workers’ autonomy and subjectivity at the centre; Aldo Moro, whose writings reflect on the crisis of the state, the role of institutions and the possibilities for political mediation; Enrico Berlinguer, who develops a proposal for the renewal of Italian communism, situated between the ‘historic compromise’ and Eurocommunism; Pier Paolo Pasolini, who, in his Scritti corsari, develops a radical critique of the processes of ‘anthropological mutation’ in consumer society; Carla Lonzi, whose feminist writings challenge the universalism of the philosophical and political tradition, asserting sexual difference and self-awareness as the foundations of an autonomous female subjectivity; Norberto Bobbio, who analyses the transformations of the Italian political system, examining the concepts of compromise, alternation and the conditions under which democracy functions.

Testi d'esame:
Mario Tronti, Operai e capitale (1966), DeriveApprodi, Roma 2013 (parti selezionate);
Aldo Moro, L’intelligenza e gli avvenimenti. Testi 1959-1978, introduzione di George L. Mosse, note di Gianni Baget Bozzo, Mario Medici e Dalmazio Mongillo, Garzanti, Roma 1980 (parti selezionate);
Enrico Berlinguer, Un’altra idea del mondo. Antologia (1969-1984), a cura di Paolo Ciofi e Guido Liguori, Editori Riuniti university press, Roma 2014 (parti selezionate);
Pier Paolo Pasolini, Scritti corsari (1975), prefazione di Alfonso Berardinelli, Garzanti, Roma 2015;
Norberto Bobbio, Compromesso e alternanza nel sistema politico italiano. Saggi su «MondOperaio», 1975-1989, prefazione di Carmine Donzelli, postfazione di Luciano Cafagna, Donzelli, Roma 2006.

Per ulteriori approfondimenti:
Damiano Palano, Nietzsche a Mirafiori. Per una storia critica dell’operaismo italiano, Morcelliana, Brescia 2026;
Guido Formigoni, Aldo Moro uomo del dialogo. L’intellettuale, il credente, lo statista, In Dialogo, Milano 2024;
Guido Liguori, Berlinguer rivoluzionario. Il pensiero politico di un comunista democratico, Carocci, Roma 2014;
Paolo Desogus, In difesa dell’umano. Pasolini tra passione e ideologia, La nave di Teseo, Milano 2025;
Annarosa Buttarelli, Carla Lonzi. Una filosofia della trasformazione, Feltrinelli, Milano 2024;
AA.VV., Il marxismo e lo stato. Il dibattito aperto nella sinistra italiana sulle tesi di Norberto Bobbio, Quaderni di Mondoperaio, 1976, n. 4.

The assessment concerns the understanding of the texts discussed in class and preparation on the readings listed in the course syllabus.

oral

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 final assessment, expressed on a 30-point scale, is based on an oral examination aimed at evaluating knowledge of the course content, analytical skills, and clarity of presentation. A mark of 30 with honors corresponds to excellent preparation, with full mastery of the concepts, critical ability, and independent thinking. Marks between 28 and 30 indicate solid and well-structured knowledge, with clear and appropriate presentation. A result between 25 and 27 reflects good preparation, though with some uncertainties. Marks between 21 and 24 correspond to partial understanding and some difficulties in presentation. Scores between 18 and 20 indicate the achievement of the minimum acceptable level. A failing grade is given in cases of serious gaps in content or inability to sustain a coherent examination.

The course will be conducted in a traditional lecture format, while encouraging active student participation and including seminar-style discussions.