Learning objectives
The first part of the course is dedicated to the history of philosophical thought from the XV to the XVII century with particular emphasis on Renaissance criticism of Aristotelian thought, the return to ancient philosophical systems (Plato, atomism, stoicism, scepticism) and discussions on the method. Particular attention will be paid to Francis Bacon, Descartes, Gassendi and Hobbes. <br />
<br />
The second part of the course follows the essential lines of Descartes' strategy in promoting his philosophical system, which is presented in his <em>Principia philosophiae</em>, with particular emphasis on the new methaphysics as foundations of his physical and moral convictions.
Prerequisites
Students should have attended the following: History of ancient philosophy, History of medieval philosophy.
Course unit content
<br />Unit A: <br />
<br />
History of modern philosophy from the Renaissance to David Hume (Unit A)< SPAN> <br />
<br />
Unit B: <br />
<br />
Sagacity and illation: experience and reason in John Locke's Essay concerning human understanding. <br />
<br />
John Locke observed in 1677. The recognition of the limits of understanding is the underlying basis of the vast programme of the reform of knowledge contained in the Essay concerning human understanding, which ends with an explicit comment on mathematics and morals, considered to be sciences, in contrast with the philosophy of nature (IV, 12, 10). <br />
<br />
Full programme
- - -
Bibliography
Unit A: <br />
<br />
Reference test: a history of modern philosophy (a choice between the following books: N. Abbagnano, Storia della filosofia, Torino Utet, or Milano TEA various years of editions: chapters from the Renaissance to D. Hume; P. Rossi-A. Viano, Storia della filosofia. 3. Dal Quattrocento al Seicento, Roma-Bari, Laterza 1995 (chapters I-XXI); Storia della Filosofia edited by M. Dal Pra, vol VII: La filosofia moderna dal Quattrocento al Seicento, Milano-Padova, Vallardi-Piccin Nuova Libraria 1999 (chapters 1,3,7-9,13-14,16-18,20-21,23-25,31-32). <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Unit B: <br />
<br />
Recommended text: John Locke, S aggio sull'intelletto umano, edited by V. Cicero and M.G. D'Amico, introd. by P. Emanuele (English text alongside), Milano, Bompiani 2004 ("Il pensiero occidentale").
Teaching methods
Classroom lectures; periodical written progress tests; final oral exam
Assessment methods and criteria
- - -
Other information
- - -
