HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY II

Students will acquire an overall understanding of the history of medieval philosophy. This will be achieved in two ways: study of a general textbook, and, during classes, more specific analysis of some medieval texts and their interpretations. In other words, the course is both an introduction to medieval philosophy, and a more in-depth analysis of certain themes. Section II, in particular (which will take place in the second period) will consider "The philosophy of Peter Abelard".

It is expected that, by the end of the course, students will be aware of the importance of medieval philosophy both historically and conceptually. They will have gained at least some famiiarity with the philosophical debates that took place during the Middle Ages. They will have developed skills for understanding medieval philosophical texts in their own terms. Additionally, they will have acquired in-depth knowledge of the specific themes addressed.

No previous knowledge is required. Some general knowledge of the history of ancient and medieval philosophy will, of course, be helpful. Students are encouraged to attend classes on "Introduction to ancient and medieval philosophy" (prof.ssa Francesca Masi), especially if they lack previous knowledge entirely. Some knowledge of latin will be an advantage but is in no way obligatory.

After a general introduction, we shall analyse some main themes of the philosophy of Peter Abelard (such as the semantics of universal terms, ermeneutics, ethics). We will be reading and commenting on a selection of texts by Abelard.

GENERAL TEXTBOOK:
Giuseppe Cambiano - Luca Fonnesu - Massimo Mori, "Medioevo e Rinascimento", Il Mulino 2014 (Storia della filosofia occidentale/2), chapters 1-6 (on the Middle Ages).

MORE SPECIFIC THEME (Peter Abelard):
1. A selection of passages from: Logica 'Ingredientibus'; De intellectibus; prologue to 'Sic et Non'; Theologia 'Summi Boni'; Collationes; Ethica. The Latin text and Italian translation will be available on Moodle.
2. Commentary on those passages during classes (also available on Moodle after class).
3. For all: John Marenbon, "The Rediscovery of the Philosophy of Peter Abelard", Journal of the History of Philosophy 44 (2006), p. 331-351.
4. one article among the following:
(4a) the chapter on "Abélard" in Catherine Konig-Pralong, Médiévisme philosophique et raison moderne. De Pierre Bayle à Ernest Renan, Paris, Vrin 2016;
(4b) 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.
(4c) Silvana Vecchio, "Il piacere da Abelardo a Tommaso", in "Piacere e dolore. Materiali per una storia delle passioni nel Medioevo", a cura di Carla Casagrande e Silvana Vecchio, Sismel Edizioni del Galluzzo, Firenze 2009 (ripubblicato anche in Carla Casagrande - Silvana Vecchio, "Passioni dell'anima. Teorie e usi degli affetti nella cultura medievale, Sismel Edizioni del Galluzzo, Firenze 2015, p. 221-242).
(4d) John Marenbon, The Philosophy of Peter Abelard, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 1997, pp. 233-250 (God's goodness: theodicy and the meaning of 'good').

Oral exam, both on the general textbook and on the more specific themes addressed.

During classes, analysis of relevant philosophical texts. Students will also be invited to relevant seminars and conferences.

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.

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