HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY - I

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. This year in particular we will discuss the historiographical concepts of "realism" and "nominalism" by discussing texts from: Eriugena, Gilbert of Poitiers, Peter Abelard, and Aquinas.

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.

1. General introduction to the discipline; to the historiographical notions of 'realism' and 'nominalism'; and to Porphyrys' terminology (which is needed for understanding the discussion). 2. Analysis of a selection of texts variously qualified as 'realist' or criticising realism. The selection will be taken from: Eriugena's Periphyseon; Gilbert of Poitiers's commentaries on the Opuscula Sacra; Abelard's Logica Ingredientibus; and Aquinas's De ente et essentia. The aim is to gain familarity with medieval texts (translated into Italian); problematise some widespread historiographical notions; show how certain key terms (such as, for instance, 'essentia') change in the texts of different authors. 3. A few guest lectures will further enrich the discussion.

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:
1. A selection of passages from: (a) Eriugena, "Periphyseon"; (b) Gilbert of Poitiers, Commentaries on Boethius's "Opuscula Sacra" ; (c) Peter Abelard, Logica 'Ingredientibus'; (d) Thomas Aquinas, "De ente et essentia".
The latin text and Italian translation (in some cases, by the teacher herself) will be available on Moodle. I recommend wider readings from recent translations, especially by Michela Pereira (Fondazione Valla) for Eriugena; Bruno Maioli (oor, forthcoming, by Luisa Valente) for Gilbert of Poitiers; and Pasquale Porro (Bompiani) for Aquinas.

2. Analysis of the text during classes.

3. Students are asked to dig deeper into one author by reading one article chosen among the following:
(3a) Christophe Erismann, "Processio idest multiplicatio. L'influence latine de l'ontologie de Porphyre: le cas de Jean scot Erigène", Revue des Sciences philosophiques et thologiques 88 (2004): 401-460.
(3b) Luisa Valente, "Un realismo singolare: forme e universali in Gilberto di Poitiers e nella Scuola Porretana", Documenti e studi sulla tradizione filosofica medievale 19 (2008): 191-246.
(3c) Gabriele Galluzzo, "Aquinas on Common Natures and Universals", Recherches de théologie et de philosophie médiévales 71 (2004): 131-171.
Other alternative articles may be mentioned during classes.

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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