GREEK ORIGINS OF EUROPEAN PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHT

The course takes place in the second (November / December) period. It is the first part of the most comprehensive 12 CFU course. The second part takes place in the third period (January / March).
Not only will we face the main protagonists and theories of the Greek and Roman world, but starting from the texts we will attempt a direct confrontation with the most current problems and developments of Western thought.
Teaching will proceed according to the following path:
A) Probing, in a theoretic-problematic way, some topics of ancient philosophy
B) Studying of a specific theme and setting up of a scientifically correct and effective analysis method
C) Reading of texts in their original language and in translation
D) Participating in seminar activities and perfecting of the dialectical technique
E) Comparison with the contemporary developments of some ethical and metaphysical topics.

Through a careful reflection on the texts and the common discussion of the main evidences the student will acquire the skills necessary to master the tools of philosophical research and increase the knowledge of the modern European philosophical tradition.

The success on the course of «History of Ancient Philosophy» (bachelor) and/or of «History of Medieval Philosophy» (bachelor) is suggested.
A basic knowledge of the History of Ancient Philosophy is required.
A basic knowledge of classical languages is also desirable.

General theme:
The foundations of Western metaphysical thought: Plato, Aristotle, Stoicism, Epicureanism, Skepticism.

A) - S. Maso, Lingua philosophica Graeca, Milano : Mimesis 2010
B) - A. Kenny, Nuova storia della filosofia occidentale Vol I: Filosofia antica, Torino : Einaudi, 2012, capp. I-2.
Alternatively:
- P.L. Donini - F. Ferrari, L'esercizio della ragione nel mondo classico. Profilo della filosofia antica, Torino : Einaudi, 2005

Classical texts
- Aristotele, La metafisica. A scelta: l'edizione con traduzione di G. Reale (Milano : Bompiani); oppure quella di E. Berti (Roma-Bari : Laterza)
- Platone, Tutti gli scritti. A cura di G. Reale (Milano : Rusconi)
- Stoici Antichi (Stoicorum Veterum Fragmenta), raccolti da H. von Armin, a cura di R. Radice, Milano : Rusconi
- Epicuro, Lettere sulla fisica, sul cielo e sulla felicità. Testo greco a fronte, a cura di N. Russello, Milano: Rizzoli

Secondary literature
One of the following essays, to be chosen:
- C. Natali, Aristotele e il determinismo, in E. Spinelli (a cura di) Libero arbitrio. Storia di una controversia filosofica, Roma : Carocci 2014, pp. 18-30
- C. Natali, Dynamis e Techne nel pensiero di Aristotele, in M. Crubellier et al. (edd.), Dunamis. Autour de la puissance chez Aristote, Leuven : Peeters, 2008, pp. 271-290
- S. Maso, La causa di ciò che è e di ciò che diviene, in C. Viano (a cura di), Materia e causa materiale in Aristotele e oltre, Roma : Edizioni di Storia e Letteratura, 2016, pp. 99-122
- S. Maso, Images and Truth, in F.G. Masi - S. Maso (eds.), Epicurus on ‘eidola’. Peri phuseos book ii, Update, Proposals, and Discussions, Amsterdam : Hakkert 2015, pp. 67-82.

Written test
The student has to show a detailed knowledge of the historical period concerning Ancient Philosophy. A deep knowledge of the main philosophical topics is required.
His preparation will be tested through:
1) a written test.
The test includes:
A) Ten multiple choice questions on history of philosophy issues
B) Two open-ended questions on specific topics covered during the lectures

2) Oral conversation. Discussion of the texts studied during the lectures and of the essays proposed in the bibliography.

The course is developed according to a historical and chronological, and also thematic perspective.
Occasional participation to the conferences of the Ca' Foscari's visiting professors is scheduled.
We practise lectures, a close analysis of some classical texts, and discussions of contemporary studies.

Italian

In connection with the course will be scheduled a few days of study in which participants include researchers from European universities. During the course lectures will be given prompt notice of this.
The course is developed in two sections; the second one is structured in a seminar way.
For more information, www.philosophia-ve.it/universita
Handouts and other materials available online.

written and oral

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