HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL LOGIC AND SEMANTICS

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 some important medieval authors. This year, we will focus on the so-called "problem of universals" (what is the nature of genera and species) and the semantics of universal terms. 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 so-called problem of universals and the semantics on universal terms in the Middle Ages, and especially in Porphyry's Isagoge, Boethius, Abelard and Avicenna. A selection of texts will be analysed during classes and with the help of relevant secondary literature.

PRIMARY SOURCES:
Porphyry, Isagoge, any edition (suggested editions: with Italian translation by G. Girgenti, or English translation by J.Barnes, or French Translation by A. de Libera)
Selection from:
Boethius, Second Commentary on Porphyry's Isagoge (I, 10-11)
Peter Abelard, Logica 'Ingredientibus' ( pp. 1-32).
Avicenna, Metaphysics (section from treatise V, Italian translation by Olga Lizzini).
Texts by Boethius, Abelard and Avicenna, with their italian translation, will be made available on Moodle.

SECONDARY LITERATURE:
Gabriele Galluzzo, Breve storia dell'Ontologia, Carocci editore, Roma 2011, pp. 55-114 (chapter 2: "Gli universali").
Alain de Libera, La querelle des Universaux. De Platon à la fin du Moyen Age, second edition, Paris 2014, chapter 1; the first edition can also be used, or the Italian translation by Riccardo Chiaradonna: "Il problema degli universali. Da Platone alla fine del Medioevo, La Nuova Italia, Firenze 1999, chapter 1).
John Marenbon, "Abelard's Theory of Universals" in "Nominalism about Properties. New essays", ed. Ghislain Guigon and Gonzalo Rodriguez-Pereyra, London and New York, Routledge 2015, pp. 38-62, oppure: John Marenbon, The Philosophy of Peter Abelard, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 1997, pp. 174-201 (Capitolo 8, "Universals")
Pasquale Porro, “L'animale universale. Quattro considerazioni, tre esistenze, due astrazioni”, in J.-B. Brenet/ L. Cesalli (textes réunis sous la direction de), Sujet libre. Pour Alain de Libera, Paris, Vrin, 2018, pp. 265-269.

Written essay, and oral examination.

A general introduction, followed by analysis of relevant texts, and discussion of their interpretation.

Italian

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.

written and oral