Learning objectives
I. Basic knowledge of historical-philosophical relations between science and philosophy; acquiring the necessary basic philosophical vocabulary to read and understand philosophical texts about the relations between science and philosophy (Dublin Descriptors 1: knowledge and understanding). II. ability to read, understand, analyze and interpret philosophical texts on the relations between science and philosophy (Dublin Descriptors 2: applying knowledge and understanding); III. ability to value the epistemological aspects of the various theories on the relations between science and philosophy (Dublin Descriptors 3: making judgements); IV. ability to devise and sustain arguments and make judgements (Dublin Descriptors 5: communication skills).V. promoting self-direction in learning (Dublin Descriptors 5: learning skills).
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisites required
Course unit content
Philosophy and science: autonomy, interaction and dialogue.
Full programme
The aim of this course is to provide an historical-philosophical introduction to the relations between philosophy and science. The first lessons will offer a general overview and introduction to epistemological problems (the knowledge problem, what are the cognitive sources, how scientific knowledge works). Later we shall discuss these issues by examining Paul Feyerabend’s Against Autonomy ((1985)). In the second part of the course, the opportunity for a dialogue and an interaction between philosophy and science will be examined in relation topical issues such as environmental bioethics, ecological crisis, knowledge of others, notions of self and of person.
Bibliography
- J. Hospers, Introduzione all’analisi filosofica, Mondadori Università, 2003, limitatamente alle pp. 47-85 («Che cos’è la conoscenza»); 87-122 («La percezione: a cosa assomiglia il mondo»); 123-158 («La conoscenza scientifica: come funziona il mondo»).
- P. Feyerabend, Contro l'autonomia. Il cammino comune delle scienze e delle arti (1985), Milano, Mimesis, 2012
- H. Jonas, Sull'orlo dell'abisso, Torino, Einaudi, 2000, pp. VII-44, 49-54, 77-125.
- L. Battaglia, Un'etica per il mondo vivente. Questioni di bioetica medica, ambientale, animale, Carocci 2011, limitatamente alle pp. 11-31; 115-167; 169-216.
- S. Gallagher & D. Zahavi, La mente fenomenologica. Filosofia della mente e scienze cognitive, Milano, Raffaello Cortina, 2009, limitatamente alle pp. 259-298 («Come conosciamo gli altri») e 301-329 («Sé e persona»).
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons and seminars
Assessment methods and criteria
Written exam.
Written exam in class with six open questions. The first three questions will concern the first unit of the course; the second three questions will concern the second unit.
Verification criteria and assessment thresholds:
– 30 cum laude: Excellent, excellent solidity of knowledge, excellent expressive properties, excellent understanding of the concepts
– 30: Very good. Complete and adequate knowledge, well-articulated and correctly expressed
– 27-29: Good, satisfactory knowledge, essentially correct expression.
– 24-26: Fairly good knowledge, but not complete and not always correct.
– 22-23: Generally sufficient knowledge but superficial. Expression is often not appropriate and confused.
– 18-21: Sufficient. The expression and articulation of the speech show important gaps.
– 18: insufficient knowledge or very incomplete, lack of guidance in discipline, expression seriously deficient. Exam failed.
Other information
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