Learning objectives
1-knowing and comprehension capability
Analytical reading of texts and capability to orient oneself in reading
2 -knowing and applied comprehension capabilities
Learn to orient yourself in reading and to form your own opinion on the topics covered
3-4-5 independent judgment, communicative skills, learning capabilities
Ability to follow and learn. Capability to intervene in the discussion.
Prerequisites
Some elementary notions of physics that can be found on the first pages of any manual.
Course unit content
Readings on realism and antirealism.
The goal of this course is to compare (also from a historical-critical perspective) the position of H. Putnam as it emerges in the articles contained in the philosophical writings published for CUP with that of other philosophers who have expressed different opinions on the subject of realism
Full programme
On the one hand, I would like to focus attention on the concept of realism and its 'enemies', on the other hand I would like to discuss the plausibility of the metaphysical and/or semantic approach.
The first part of the course will be dedicated to the clarification of the concepts of nominalism / realism in a critical historical perspective. Reference text Armstrong, David Malet (1978). Universals and Scientific Realism: A theory of universals. Cambridge University Press..
I then consider the positions that emerged in the first decades of the last century in favor or against (moderate) realism (readings by B. Russell, P. Bridgman, A.J. Ayer). The readings will highlight the growing importance of the semantic perspective and the critique of the realism of properties.
Once I have introduced the historical background in the second part of the course, I read some articles by Putnam in which he criticizes the positions of verificationism and expresses himself in favor of a form of realism. Reference writings are contained in the volumes of the collected writings translated into Italian for Adelphi.
Bibliography
Armstrong, David Malet (1978). Universals and Scientific Realism: A theory of universals. Cambridge University Press. [trad. it in D.M. Armstrong, Ritorno alla metafisica, Bompiani 2012];
--- 'properties' in Language, truth and ontology, Dordrecht, Reidel, 1992 [trad. it. 'Predicati, proprietà e leggi di natura', in A.C. Varzi (ed.) Metafisica, Laterza 2008].
B. Russell, I Principi della Matematica - Newton Compton 1971
---La filosofia dell'atomismo logico, Einaudi 2003
P.W. Bridgman, La Natura della teoria fisica, La Nuova Italia, 1965
A.J. Ayer, Linguaggio, Verità e Logica, Feltrinelli 1961
H. Putnam, Mente, linguaggio e realtà, 1987
--- Matematica, materia e metodo, 1993
Teaching methods
oral lessons
Assessment methods and criteria
final written exam or, in the case of online teaching, oral exam with connection on Teaams. In the tests the following are checked in particular: 1) understanding of the texts, 2) ability to use an appropriate technical-philosophical language; 3) clarity in defining and exposing the topics addressed in the course.
Other information
Lecture notes and texts downloadable from the institutional teaching sites
