EPISTEMOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

This class introduces political epistemology as a critical reflection on science and scientific culture at the intersection of various disciplinary lines of inquiry, which include:
The course explores the interplay between epistemology, ecology and politics as a critical reflection on science and culture at the intersection of lines of inquiry strongly shaped by the debate on the Anthropocene and the technosphere. It will draw on theses presented in a trilogy of texts by the course lecturer, focusing on the key issues of political epistemology, the critique of ‘realist’ positions in the ecological-political debate, and geopraxis.
The recommended reading list will be announced in due course.

General objectives:
- To introduce students to political ecology, the Anthropocene, the geo-anthropological paradigm, and geopraxis.
- To explore the link between the philosophy of science and political ecology in relation to key themes such as geopraxis, agency, nature-culture, the technosphere, etc.;
- Address crucial issues in political ecology, such as the problem of the politics of the commons/the tragedy of commodity, the environmental a priori of science etc.;
- Develop the ability to reflect upon and discuss philosophical classics in political epistemology and political ecology, and to interpret them critically in the light of political-theoretical questions.

Specific objectives:
- To explore this year's specific problematic.

- Familiarity with key themes in environmental philosophy as they relate to political epistemology;
- Enthusiasm and readiness to engage with challenging historical and philosophical discussions and readings;
- Knowledge of English, in order to read the materials and participate in the discussion

The meetings will have a seminar-like character, alternating frontal teaching and sources-based discussion.
Students will be introduced to the key issues in political epistemology and political ecology, such as the political presuppositions of science, the relationship between science, power, technology and the environment, the economics and ecology of knowledge, ideology and technocracy, etc.

Primary sources will constitute the basis for an in-depth study and comprehension of the scientific, philosophical and political challenges of our epistemic culture on the basis of key topics/cases.

The students are expected to read in advance the texts that constitute the focus of the various classes according to the course calendar.

This year's mandatory readings will be communicated in due time.

Additional non-mandatory literature:

Pietro Daniel Omodeo, Political Epistemology: The Problem of Ideology in Science Studies (Dordrecht: Springer, 2019), Chap. 2, "Towards a Political Epistemology: Positioning Science Studies";
idem, “Geopraxis: A Concept for the Anthropocene,” in Journal of Interdisciplinary History of Ideas 11/22 (2022): 10:1–10:52;
idem, "Anthropocene Epistemology: Political, Ecological, and Economic Entanglements", Research Paper Series, Department of Economics, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
n. 5/2026 (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6327118 ).

Referneces to further secondary literature will be made available during the classes or through Moodle.

Oral examination on the sources and themes of the class.
The alternative of a written assignment might be considered.

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.

Regarding the grading scale for the oral exam:
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 teaching will consist of:
• frontal teaching, in which the professor will introduce students to the topics of the course;
• and a dialogic seminar-like part, in which students will interact with their classmates and the professor on the basis of the texts they have been assigned and they have to read in preparation for the lessons.

Regarding the grading scale for the oral exam:
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.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development