Learning objectives
This course offers in-depth knowledge of some crucial problems in theoretical philosophy, such as identity and the metaphysics of agency. It aims to provide adequate analityc, logic and argumentative skills. In particular, it aims to train to critically assess theories and models of rationality. Seminars are devoted to train students to build valid arguments and assess their logical tenability. (Descriptor I)
To this purpose, students are strongly encouraged to participate to class discussion with a presentation about a critical review of a chapter in bibliography, and a final essay with a critical and argumentative account of the philosophical problem chosen. (Descriptor II)
To further develop argumentative and communication skills, there will be a workshop in philosophical writing. (Descriptor IV).
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
MODULE 2
NATURALISM: REASONS AND CAUSES
This course concerns a fundamental problem in theoretical philosophy, that is, the naturalistic basis of a philosophical account of rational agency.
The second module (in English), concerns the naturalistic bases of the philosophical explanation of agency, both in terms of causes and reasons. It focuses on the fundamental contributions of G.E.M. Anscombe, and Donald Davidson, with particular attention to the Kantian constructivist approach to rational agency in more recent debates of post-analytic philosophy.
Full programme
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Bibliography
Modulo 2 Naturalism: reasons and causes
1. G.E.M Anscombe, Intention, Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1957.
2. Carla Bagnoli, “Il ruolo epistemico delle norme costitutive”, in Bagnoli (a cura di), Che fare? Nuove prospettive filosofiche sull’azione, Carocci, Roma, 2013, cap. 3.
3. Christine M. Korsgaard, “Acting for a Reason”, in The Constitution of Agency, Oxford University Press, 2009, pp. 207-229.
4. Donald Davidson, Essays on Actions and Events, Oxford University Press, Oxford 1980. (tr. it. di R. Brigati, (1992), Azioni ed eventi, Il Mulino, Bologna.
5. Barbara Herman, Moral Literacy, Harvard University Press, 2008.
Teaching methods
Lectures and seminars.
Lectures offer a critical analysis of problems and philosophical texts.
Seminars include three kinds of activities:
a) in class discussions of some specific arguments of course,
b) presentations of a chapter in bibliography, and
c) participation in a workshop in philosophical communication and writing.
Assessment methods and criteria
Course 6 credits (1 module)
Students with regular attendance:
• Final essay of 3000 words (bibliography excluded) in Italian or English), on a topic chosen in consultation with the professor
• Oral examination on the main topics of the course and defense of the final essay.
For students not attending classes:
• Oral examination on the full bibliography of the course.
• Final essay of 3000 words (bibliography excluded) in Italian or English), on a topic assigned by the instructor.
International Students
International Students have the opportunity to be examined in English. (All other requirements above apply)
Criteria of Evaluation
Threshold for 18: sufficient comprehension of the topics, sufficient expository clarity and sufficient competence in the use of the philosophical vocabulary.
Threshold for 24: discrete comprehension of the topics, discrete expository clarity and discrete competence in the use of the philosophical vocabulary.
Threshold for 27: good comprehension of the topics, good expository clarity and good competence in the use of the philosophical vocabulary.
Threshold for 30: excellent comprehension of the topics, excellent expository clarity and excellent competence in the use of the philosophical vocabulary.
Threshold for 30 cum laude: as for 30, plus elements of originality (e.g. critical assessment of the course topics or new personal contribution to them) and/or particularly in-depth analysis of the course topics.
Other information
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