PHILOSOPHICAL HERMENEUTICS (ADVANCED COURSE)

The teaching of Philosophical Hermeneutics is a theoretical discipline and was born when Martin Heidegger, in the first half of the twentieth century, recognized full philosophical dignity to issues and phenomena that are part of the earlier hermeneutic-exegetical tradition. It is one of the pillars of contemporary philosophical studies.

The hermeneutic-philosophical approach aims at at least two objectives:
(1) learning to read a classical text with due historiographical awareness and the necessary critical sense for the multiplicity of meanings;
(2) to open students' cultural horizon so as to defer absolutization of the present and not remain hostage to dominant interpretations.

Familiarity with the fundamental concepts of the thought of Kant, Husserl, and Heidegger

The course focuses on Derrida’s most important works devoted to the interpretation and critique of Husserl’s philosophy. We will examine in detail Derrida’s texts “Introduction to the Origin of Husserl’s Geometry” and “Voice and Phenomenon,” comparing them with the original texts by Husserl that are discussed therein. Derrida’s texts will be addressed after analyzing the first “Logical Investigations,” “The Origin of Geometry,” and selected passages from “Ideas I” and “Experience and Judgment.” The objective is twofold: to determine the validity of Derrida’s critiques and to shed light on the development of Derrida’s own thought.

Jaques Derrida, "Introduzione a Husserl l'Origine delle geometria", Jaca Book 2008
Jaques Derrida, "La voce e il fenomeno", Jaca Book 2021
Edmund Husserl, "Ricerche Logiche", Il saggiatore, 2015

Suggested readings

Costa V. Franzini E., Spinicci P. , "La fenomenologia", Einaudi 2002
Vincenzo Costa "La generazione della forma", Jaca Book 1996
Danilo Manca e Flippo Nobili (a cura di) "Le Ricerche Logiche di Husserl, un commentario", Edizioni ETS 2025
Jaques Derrida, "Il problema della genesi nella filosofia di Husserl", Jaca Book 2016
Jaques Derrida "La fenomenologia e la chiusura della metafisica. Introduzione al pensiero di Husserl", Scholé 2023
Daniele De Santis, "Derrida tra le fenomenologie: 1953-1967", Mimesis 2018.

- A final oral exam consisting in a critical discussion of the texts read, discussed, and commented upon during the course as well as of an essay on a topic chosen by the student and previously sent to the lecturer. A part of the oral examination will consist in the discussion of the essay

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.

A. Scores in the range of 18-22 will be assigned for:
- Sufficient knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
- Limited ability to use data and form independent judgments
- Sufficient communication skills.

B. Scores in the range of 23-26 will be assigned for:
- Fair knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
- Fair ability to use data and form independent judgments
- Fair communication skills.

C. Scores in the range of 27-30 will be assigned for:
- Good or excellent knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
- Good or excellent ability to use data and form independent judgments
- Fully appropriate communication skills.

D. The “laude” will be awarded to students with excellent knowledge and comprehension of the textbooks and related topics.

The course includes 6 hours of weekly lessons.

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion

Ca' Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding support services and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). If you have a disability or impairment that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.