PHILOSOPHY: PREREQUISITES

The course aims to introduce students to the main problems and concepts of philosophy, providing the basic knowledge and methodological tools necessary for undergraduate studies in Philosophy. Through an examination of some fundamental questions in the philosophical tradition, the course seeks to familiarize students with the main forms of philosophical reasoning and argumentation.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Know and understand the main problems, concepts, and areas of philosophical inquiry.
2. Identify the main philosophical positions and reconstruct their fundamental arguments.
3. Understand and analyze introductory philosophical texts.
4. Present and discuss philosophical problems using appropriate terminology and developing independent critical thinking skills.

No prerequisites are required.

The course offers an introduction to philosophy through some of its fundamental problems, mainly following the thematic approach of Nigel Warburton and integrating it with Josef Pieper's reflections on the meaning and nature of philosophical inquiry.

1. Introduction: What is Philosophy?
• The origins and meaning of philosophy.
• Wonder, questioning, and the search for truth.
• The distinctive nature of philosophical knowledge and rational argumentation.

2. God and the Philosophy of Religion
• The problem of God's existence.
• The main philosophical arguments and their criticisms.
• The problem of evil.
• The relationship between philosophy, faith, and reason.

3. Right and Wrong: Moral Philosophy
• The problem of good and evil.
• The main ethical theories: consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics.
• Freedom, responsibility, and moral judgment.

4. Political Philosophy
• The concepts of equality, freedom, and justice.
• Democracy and its justifications.
• The problem of punishment and civil disobedience.

5. The External World: Knowledge and Reality
• The relationship between reality and appearance.
• Perception and the problem of knowledge.
• Skepticism and the limits of human knowledge.
• The main philosophical accounts of the external world.

6. Philosophy of Science
• The scientific method and forms of explanation.
• The problem of induction.
• Verification and falsification.
• The relationship between philosophy and the particular sciences.

7. Philosophy of Mind
• The mind–body relationship.
• Dualism and materialism.
• The problem of consciousness and knowledge of other minds.

8. Philosophy of Art
• The problem of defining art.
• The main philosophical theories of art.
• Interpretation, aesthetic experience, and the value of artworks.
• The relationship between philosophy, art, and contemplation.

- Nigel Warburton, Il primo libro di filosofia, Einaudi, 2007 (nuova edizione ampliata).
- Josef Pieper, Elogio della filosofia, Edizioni Ares, 2022.

Learning will be assessed through an oral examination covering the course contents and the required readings.
Assessment will focus on students' knowledge of the main philosophical problems discussed, their ability to reconstruct and critically discuss the arguments examined, and their appropriate use of philosophical terminology.
Successful completion of the examination will result in the fulfillment of the Additional Learning Requirement (OFA) in Philosophy.

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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 exam certifies the fulfillment of the Additional Learning Requirement (OFA) in Philosophy.

Lectures, close reading and commentary of philosophical texts, guided discussions of fundamental philosophical questions, and exercises in argument analysis.

Support for Students with Disabilities
Ca’ Foscari complies with Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding support services and accommodations available to students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties. If you have a motor, visual, hearing, or other disability (Law 17/1999) or a specific learning difficulty (Law 170/2010) and require support (classroom assistance, technological aids for exams or customised exams, accessible materials, note-taking, specialised tutoring, interpreters, or other assistance), please contact the Disability and DSA Office at disabilita@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development