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 Seventies”
The course examines the relationship between philosophy and politics in Italy during the “long Seventies”, through some of the most significant voices in the theoretical and public debate of the time. After a brief introduction to the historical, political, and cultural context, the course will explore different perspectives: Mario Tronti, who in Workers and Capital* reinterprets the conflict between labor and capital by placing at its center workers’ autonomy and subjectivity; Aldo Moro, whose writings reflect on the crisis of the state, the role of institutions, and the possibilities of political mediation; Enrico Berlinguer, who develops a proposal for the renewal of Italian communism, between the “historic compromise” and Eurocommunism; Pier Paolo Pasolini, who in his Corsair Writings offers a radical critique of the processes of “anthropological mutation” in consumer society; Norberto Bobbio, who analyzes the transformations of the Italian political system, reflecting on the concepts of compromise and alternation, as well as on the conditions for the functioning of democracy.

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.

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

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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.

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.