HISTORY OF ETHICAL AND RELIGIOUS THOUGHT

This course is part of the Master’s Degree of Philosophical Sciences and the inter-university Master’s Degree of Religious Studies. The objective of the course is to provide an overview of the main ethical and religious issues both from a theoretical point of view and, above all, from a historical point of view. Such an overview is crucial for the development of critical thinking and for understanding the theoretical reasons within the historical and social dimensions of the ethical and political challenges of modernity; as well as for a wise and thorough evaluation of religion. Particular attention is paid to an exhaustive reading and a critical analysis of the proposed philosophical works.

Regular attendance and diligent individual study will allow students to:
a. gain an in-depth knowledge of basic philosophical terminology and understand the texts in which it is used;
b. understand the discipline’s fundamental issues and paths both from a conceptual point of view and from a historical point of view, which means to study them intelligently, grasping their sense and articulation;
c. develop independent judgment for evaluating such issues;
d. be able to critically analyze the texts proposed by the teacher;
e. demonstrate good oral and written presentation skills, in order to be able to elaborate a philosophical argument using appropriate terms;
f. finally, because it is a moral discipline, students should be aware that this course is not aimed at mere acquisition of knowledge, but also at developing a philosophical practice, as was the case in antiquity. Therefore, the course focuses on the issue of the construction of the self in philosophy as a way of life and as a way of thinking.

Knowledge of the general frameworks of history of philosophy, moral philosophy, and philosophy of religions, acquired during the Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy basic courses.

Title: Morality in Pascal

Can we say that Pascal had an ethical philosophy of his own? Is it possible to reconstruct a moral reflection in his works? According to some of the greatest scholars of the French philosopher, this is a problem. Indeed, Pascal has often been accused of displaying immorality and cynicism, even being branded as the “French Machiavelli”. Therefore, the course will try to show how this thesis is largely unfounded, as it is possible to find in the work of Pascal and, in particular, in his "Apology of the Christian Religion", better known as "Thoughts" or "Fragments", the deepest intuitions of a moral nature. This is, obviously, a morality that is in close relation with the experience of faith.

B. Pascal, "Frammenti", tr. it. di E. Balmas, Rizzoli, Milano 1983;

C. Ginzburg, Nondimanco. Machiavelli e Pascal, Adelphi, Milano 2018.

The evaluation will be based on a oral exam. The assessment will concern the knowledge and the clear exposition of themes and problems of the course.

The teaching is organized in a series of lectures.

Italian

Ca' Foscari applies 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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