Learning objectives
The course aims to reach a critical awareness of the origin and historical development of a number of central concepts in European political thought, in particular those of politics, anti-politics, freedom, public opinion, tolerance, equality, democracy.
Course unit content
The course will focus on an analysis of the origin and development of the main traditions of modern and contemporary Western political thought, with particular regard to themes connected with reflections on freedom of thought, speech and the press.
Bibliography
1. G. Bedeschi, Opinione pubblica, in Enciclopedia delle Scienze Sociali, Istituto dell'Enciclopedia Italiana Giovanni Treccani, Rome 1998, pp. 359-367.
2. Three texts to be chosen from the following:
- M. Barberis, Libertà, Il Mulino, Bologna 1999;
- M.L. Lanzillo, Tolleranza, Il Mulino, Bologna 2001;
- E. Somaini, Paradigmi dell'uguaglianza, Laterza, Bari-Rome 2005;
- E. Greblo, Democrazia, Il Mulino, Bologna 2000.
Teaching methods
frontal lessons and lecture and analysis of calssic texts
