HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL LOGIC AND SEMANTICS

Academic year
2026/2027 Syllabus of previous years
Official course title
STORIA DELLA LOGICA E SEMANTICA MEDIEVALI
Course code
FM0512 (AF:741214 AR:441300)
Teaching language
Italian
Modality
On campus classes
ECTS credits
6
Degree level
Master's Degree Programme (DM270)
Academic Discipline
PHIL-05/C
Period
3rd Term
Course year
1
This course sits well within the more general framework of history of philosophy. But it is also apt for students who wish to deepen their knowledge of logic and semantics. Each year, we shall investigate a major theme of logic, semantics or metaphysics in the writings of some important medieval authors. This year, we will discuss the issue: "the semantics of names between the 5th and the 12th century", with special reference to Boethius and Abelard. The approach is both historical and analytical.
By the end of the course, students are expected to have in-depth knowledge of the theme under analysis. They will have acquired skills for understanding medieval philosophical texts, both historically and analytically.
No previous knowledge is formally required. Some knowledge of the history of medieval philosophy, and previous analysis of some logical or metaphysical texts can be helpful. Knowledge of Latin can help access many original texts directly but is in no way obligatory. It is also recommended to have some familiarity with academic English for reading some secondary literature.
The semantics of name between the 5th and the 12th century. Medieval logic begins with an analysis of names (a name, together with a verb, builds up a proposition, and propositions build up syllogisms). But what's in a name? We will investigate this (and in particular, the notions of: significatio, nominatio, appellatio) in some key Latin texts from the 5th to the12th centuries: Boethius (commentary to Aristotle's De interpretatione), and texts associated to William of Champeaux and Peter Abelard (Glosulae in Priscianum maiorem, logical commentaries by Peter Abelard), which depend on Priscian's philosophical grammar and Aristotle's Categories and De interpretatione.
SOURCES:
Selection of texts by Boethius (second commentary to De interpretatione), Glosulae in priscianum maiorem/minorem and Peter Abelard, in Italian translation, available on Moodle.

SECONDRARY LITERATURE
Secondary literature on the primary sources, which will be indicated in more detail before the beginning of the course.
Exam written, with a few open questions on the themes of the course and the texts we have investigated.
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written

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.

Exames are graded on a scale 0/30.
A general introduction, followed by analysis of relevant texts, and discussion of their interpretation. The course may be complemented by seminars with experts.
Definitive programme.
Last update of the programme: 07/04/2026