HISTORY OF HELLENISTIC AND ROMAN PHILOSOPHY - I

The course is part of the more general domain of the history of philosophy. It is characterized by the particular evidence it gives to the schools of thought of the Hellenistic period and to the re-elaboration in the Roman world of Greek thought and doctrines.
Teaching will proceed according to the following path:
A) Probing, in a theoretic-problematic way, some topics of of hellenistic and Roman philosophy
B) Setting up of a scientifically correct and efficacious survey method.
C) Perfecting of the dialectical technique
D) Reading of texts in their original language and in translation

The student will master the research tools in the historical-philosophical field and will reach a thorough knowledge of the key points of the Hellenistic, Roman and late ancient philosophical tradition.
He will demonstrate to be able to reflect on the topics of ancient thought also in reference to the contemporary world.

A basic knowledge of the History of Ancient Philosophy is required.
A basic knowledge of classical languages is also desirable.
It is not necessary to have already given the examination of "Greek origins of the European philosophical tradition".

The Hellenistic and Roman Philosophy.
Stoicism in Greece and in Rom.
Cicero's De finibus bonorum et malorum (book III)
Cicero’s Tusculanae disputationes (book V)

A) - S. Maso, Lingua philosophica Graeca, Milano : Mimesis
B) - S. Maso, Filosofia a Roma. Dalla riflessione sui principi all’arte della vita, Roma : Carocci
C) – Cicerone, Tusculane, introd. di E. Narducci, trad. L. Zuccoli Clerici, Torino BUR
D) - Cicero, De finibus bonorum er malorum, (a cura di N. Marinone), Torino : UTET

E) Choice of two essays:
- E. Narducci, Terapia dell’anima e rinnovamento sociale, in E. Narducci, Cicerone. La parola e la politica, Laterza, Bari 2009, pp. 389-416
- G. Cambiano, Cicerone e la necessità della filosofia, in: Interpretare Cicerone, a cura di E. Narducci, Firenze, le Monnier, 2002, pp. 66-83
- M. R. Wright, Cicero on Self-Love and Love of Humanity, in : J.G. F. Powell, Cicero the Philosopher, Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1995, pp. 171-196
- A. E. Douglas, Form and Content in the ‘Tusculan Disputations’, in J.G. F. Powell, Cicero the Philosopher, Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1995, pp. 171-197-218.
- C. Lévy, ‘Philosophical Life versus Political Life: An Impossible Choice for Cicero?’, in: W. Nicgorski (ed.), Cicero’s practical Philosophy, University of Notre Dame, Indiana, 2012, pp. 58-78

F) Choice of one chapter included in the book:
S. Maso, Grasp and Dissent,Turnhout, Brepols 2015
- Antiepicureanism ? (25-46)
- Critiquing Epicurean Physics (47-80)
- Epicurean Theology(81-102)
- A Theoretical Project's Failed Plan (103-146)
- Epicurus's Pleasure (147-172)
- On the tetrapharmakon and Suffering (173-214)

The student has to show a detailed knowledge of the historical period concerning Hellenistic, Roman, and Late Antiquity Philosophy.
A deep knowledge of the main philosophical topics is required. His preparation will be tested through an oral interview and the discussion of a term paper.

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

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

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion
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.

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