HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY - II

The teaching belongs to the basic training activities of the degree course in philosophy, within the framework of the teachings of the history of philosophy area. The educational objective of the course is to provide knowledge related to the general development of the history of philosophy. The course aims to introduce the historical and cultural development of the main themes and problems that establish philosophical reflection, studying the figures, personalities, texts, literary genres and styles of thought that contribute to the formation of the Western philosophical "canon", with particular attention to the modern and contemporary tract. It also aims to deepen the methodological, hermeneutical and critical elements that are indispensable for the correct understanding of a philosophical text.

1. To know the history of philosophy in its fundamental themes, problems and figures;
2. Recognise the essential characteristics of the systems of thought and philosophical works dealt with;
3. Acquire the correct terminology in expressing the concepts and problems expounded by the authors studied;
4. Know how to connect philosophical thought with the more general themes of the epochs of cultural history.

Knowledge of the general outlines of the history of philosophy acquired through high school education. Students who do not have this knowledge make up for it by reading a good high school textbook.

The Mirror Metaphor: Outlines for a Philosophical History of the Image (From Classical Greek Philosophy to Contemporary Thought)

Classroom readings, in seminar form, of excerpts from texts, from classical Greek philosophy to contemporary thought, having the image as their theme.

1. Reference bibliography:
A. Tagliapietra, The mirror metaphor. Outlines for a symbolic history of the image, Donzelli, Rome 2023, pp. 208-443.

2. Bibliography for further reading:
A. Tagliapietra, Filosofia dei cartoni animati. Una mitologia contemporanea, Bollati Boringhieri, Torino 2019;
J. J. Wunenburger, Filosofia delle immagini, Einaudi, Torino 1999;
F. Jullien, La grande immagine non ha forma : pittura e filosofia tra Cina antica ed Europa contemporanea, Colla, Vicenza 2004.

For those who intend to integrate the preparation of the prerequisites, we recommend reading E. Berti - F. Volpi, History of Philosophy from Antiquity to Today, compact edition in 2 volumes, Laterza, Rome-Bari 2023.

The exam will consist of an oral interview to be taken at the end of the two modules of the course (the division is not foreseen for students who have planned the 12 credits course). The interview will consist of two questions. (1) The first will include the oral discussion of a short essay of 10 thousand characters including spaces on part 1 of the program, divided into topics chosen by the student among the points covered in class and contained in "The Gift of the Philosopher" and in the other texts made available on Moodle (Introduction to the History of Philosophy; The Critical Gratitude of the Philosophical Gesture; The Textuality of Thought; The Concept of "Canon"; Differences, Epochs and Periodizations, etc.). (2) A second question, instead, will concern in particular the monographic topic of the course, namely "the metaphor of the mirror. Outlines for a philosophical history of the image". In the essay as in the interview, students will have to demonstrate knowledge of the texts discussed in class and of the general framework of the topic presented during the course (lecture notes, presentations, slides and passages made available in the appropriate university documents section). Relevant indicators in the evaluation of the interview: 1. Ability to deal with the required topics in a transversal and critical manner; 2. Correctness, clarity, synthesis and fluidity of exposition; 3. Mastery of the subject; 4. Use of appropriate philosophical terminology. The student's active participation during the lessons contributes to the final evaluation.
For students who had in their study plan the exam of History of Philosophy II of only 6 credits, the exam will consist of an oral interview starting from two questions on the monographic topic of the course, namely "the metaphor of the mirror. Outlines for a philosophical history of the image" (see the volume "The metaphor of the mirror" cit. which is expected to be read in full) which acts as a reference for the readings in the classroom, in seminar form, of the chosen texts, having the image as their theme and of the presentations and other teaching materials that will serve as a possible integration of what was said in class.

The grade is determined by the combination of the following factors, in ascending order (1-sufficient; 2-fair; 3-good; 4-very good; 5-excellent):
1. knowledge of the required topics (from 1 to 10 points);
2. ability to delve into the topic in depth (from 1 to 5 points);
3. detailed and precise knowledge of the historical context (dates and events of context) (from 1 to 5 points);
4. confidence in exposition and lexical mastery (from 1 to 5 points);
5. ability to independently articulate the speech (from 1 to 5 points);
6. originality in the treatment of the topic (assignment of honors).

The teaching consists of lectures, in which the main texts of the authors studied will be read and commented upon, with the possible use of digital media and tools, viewing and commenting on videos, images, diagrams and conceptual schemes. Participation of students in the lessons (active attendance) is particularly appreciated.

Italian

Students, including non-attending students, are advised that it is not possible to agree with the lecturer on a different examination programme. Any changes or amendments will be promptly reported exclusively on this website. Ca’ Foscari applies Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) for support and accommodation services available to students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities. Students with a motor, visual, hearing or other disability (Law 17/1999) or a specific learning disability (Law 170/2010) are invited to request support (assistance in the classroom, technological aids for taking exams or individualized exams, accessible material, note recovery, specialized tutoring to support study, interpreters or other) and contact the Disability and DSA office disabili@unive.it.

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