POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY II

The course aims to provide, within the range of philosophical skills specific to a three-year degree, a more in-depth view of the history of political doctrines, obtained through the study of texts and the clarification of major historiographical and interpretative issues, relating each time to an author or a theme.

Studenti e studentesse dovranno essere in grado di riconoscere la specificità di un testo e di un autore della tradizione politica, nel loro contesto concettuale proprio, di comprenderne le poste in gioco storiografiche e interpretative.

You need to have a good general knowledge and have studied history and philosophy at secondary school level.

The Question of Intellectuals in Contemporary Political Thought
The course examines the role of intellectuals in contemporary political thought. After a historical and philosophical introduction to the problem, it will explore several theoretical perspectives: Julien Benda, who presents the intellectual as an ethical guide and guardian of universal values; Antonio Gramsci, who theorizes the figure of the organic intellectual, combining technical expertise and political engagement; Simone de Beauvoir, who in *The Mandarins* reflects on the relationship between commitment, freedom, and responsibility, also offering insight into the condition of women; Frantz Fanon, who analyzes the role of the intellectual in processes of decolonization; and Michel Foucault, who reinterprets the relationship between intellectuals and power in the wake of 1968, challenging the model of the universal intellectual.

Exam texts:
Julien Benda, Il tradimento dei chierici (1927), traduzione di Sandra Teroni Menzella, prefazione di Davide Cadeddu, Einaudi, Torino 2012;
Antonio Gramsci, Gli intellettuali e l'organizzazione della cultura (1929-1935), nuova edizione riveduta e integrata, Editori Riuniti, Roma 1977 (parti I e II);
Simone de Beauvoir, I Mandarini (1954), traduzione di Franco Lucentini, Einaudi, Torino 2021;
Frantz Fanon, I dannati della terra (1961), a cura di Liliana Ellena, traduzione di Carlo Cignetti, prefazione di Jean-Paul Sartre, Einaudi, Torino 2007;
Michel Foucault, Gl’intellettuali e il potere. Conversazione tra Michel Foucault e Gilles Deleuze (1972), in Id., Microfisica del potere. Interventi politici, a cura di Alessandro Fontana e Pasquale Pasquino, Einaudi, Torino 1977.

The exam will focus on the comprehension of the texts discussed during the lessons and the preparation of the fundamentals of political philosophy, with reference to the manual indicated in the exam programme.

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.

The final grade, expressed on a scale of thirty, is based on an oral exam designed to assess content knowledge, analytical skills, and clarity of expression. A score of 30 with honors indicates excellent preparation, full command of concepts, critical thinking, and independent elaboration. Scores between 28 and 30 reflect solid and well-structured knowledge with clear and appropriate expression. A result between 25 and 27 shows good preparation with some uncertainties. Scores between 21 and 24 indicate partial understanding and difficulties in expression. Grades between 18 and 20 correspond to the minimum acceptable level of preparation. A failing grade is assigned in cases of significant gaps in knowledge or inability to coherently complete the exam.

The course will be held in the form of a traditional lesson, but we will encourage the active participation of students.