Course presentation

The degree Course in Philosophical Studies, from A.Y. 2025-2026 structured two curricula (Philosophy curriculum and Philosophy and Humanities curriculum), pursues the primary objective of providing a solid knowledge in all the areas of philosophy, both from the point of view of cultural contents and from the methodological one. The articulation of the two curricula is common. The Course lasts three years, the first of which is devoted to fundamental philosophical knowledge and methodologies, the second to their critical study, and the third to further study and to the relationship of philosophy with other disciplines.

The fundamental philosophical teachings are common to the two curricula. Much studied is the history of philosophy, from ancient to contemporary philosophy, theoretical philosophy, moral philosophy and its applications, political and social philosophy, environmental philosophy, Arab and Jewish philosophy, and a special attention is reserved to the reading of the classics, to prepare students to deal with contemporary philosophical issues in an informed manner.

The Course also offers teachings of logic, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, philosophy of knowledge, philosophy of science, and aesthetics, thus providing adequate preparation in the most recent areas of analytic philosophy and in the field of aesthetics as a discipline also addressing environment and landscape as well as the multiple forms of artistic expression.

Methodologically, the Course provides the necessary tools for the development of argumentation techniques, critical thinking, dialogue and communication skills. The Course promotes interdisciplinary study, making philosophy interact with a wide choice of related disciplines, and pays close attention to the contemporary world.

The philosophical preparation, in both curricula, can be complemented by knowledge in the disciplines of history, sociology, pedagogy and psychology, also with a view to enabling students to prepare for a teaching qualification in secondary school.

The choice of curriculum is made in the first year, but students are allowed to change curriculum during their course. The Philosophy curriculum is especially aimed at students who want more in-depth study in the philosophical disciplines, while the Philosophy and Humanities curriculum is aimed at students who prefer to deepen the relationship of philosophy with the humanities (psychology and pedagogy). Both curricula allow enrollment in the master's degree in Philosophy (LM-78) and offer the possibility of acquiring credits in those disciplines useful for future job openings in teaching in upper secondary schools in the A-19 (Philosophy and History), A-18 (Philosophy and Humanities) and A-12 (Literary Disciplines in Grade I and Grade II Secondary Education) classes. The Philosophy and Humanities curriculum, in addition, also allows students to acquire the necessary credits to continue in the Master's degree in Educational Services Organization and Management (LM-50). 

During the course it is possible to undertake study or internship periods abroad. The 150-hour internship can be carried out in universities, secondary schools, libraries, cultural institutions, offices, and companies.

In general, the Course aims to develop in students the ability to analyze and evaluate, the autonomy of judgment and soft skills, organizational and relational skills, useful for multiple job opportunities related to publishing, communication, information management, cultural dissemination and promotion, intercultural mediation, public relations and human resources management.

Philosophical life in Parma is very active, also thanks to the commitment of students and former students, graduating and doctoral students. This allows for continuous interaction between students of different years and study paths, an element of great importance in promoting motivation and regularity of studies. Among the various initiatives that take place in Parma, we would like to highlight in particular the following three, which are repeated regularly each year.

SOCIETÀ FILOSOFICA ITALIANA (SEZIONE DI PARMA) - ITALIAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY  (PARMA SECTION)

The Italian Philosophical Society brings together, at both national and local levels, professionals involved in the research, teaching, and practice of philosophy in various capacities. This includes academics, secondary school teachers, researchers, and enthusiasts of the subject. The association's activities range from organizing conferences and seminars to conducting training courses for teachers (recognized by the Ministry of Public Education) and collectively developing new models and teaching approaches.

Since 2009, a Local Section has been established in Parma, presided over by Professor Beatrice Centi. This section has been working for many years to encourage and enhance the relationships between the university and secondary school worlds. It promotes and sponsors public meetings, conferences, seminars, lectures, and other initiatives open to the public, aimed at the training and professional development of teachers, reflecting on teaching in both school and university settings, and advocating for the promotion of philosophy. For further information, you can visit the Society's website at the following link: https://www.sfi.it/

“IDEE IN BOZZA” (DRAFT IDEAS)

 "IDEE IN BOZZA" is a cross-sectional cycle of philosophy seminars organised by the philosophical association Vita Activa (which also runs the "Emilia filosofica" blog, an information portal on all the initiatives carried out in the three hubs of the inter-university degree course: Modena-Reggio Emilia, Ferrara and Parma: https://emiliafilosofica.wordpress.com/). The speakers of the seminars are all students*, former students* or young researchers interested in presenting their work in progress in a convivial manner to an audience of peers in order to compare, discuss and receive suggestions on various philosophical topics. In now 5 years of intense philosophical activity, the cycle of philosophical seminars has been attended by over 60 researchers from all over the world, making Idee in bozza one of the most successful student initiatives. The Vita Activa staff is already planning the next edition of Idee in Bozza. Those interested in current or past activities can consult the website or follow the facebook page. For any contact or information, please write to: daniele.molinari@unipr.it

MAP "MINORITIES AND PHILOSOPHY" PROJECT

In May 2020, the "MAP (Minorities and Philosophy) Parma" work group was set up by students and young researchers from the Philosophy Unit of the DUSIC Department. The group is part of the worldwide MAP International network (http://www.mapforthegap.com) of which more than 180 universities and philosophy departments worldwide are members. The MAP Parma group is the first representative in Italy of this international network.

MAP stems from the desire to educate and raise awareness of issues of inclusivity and problems of under-representation in the academic field and in particular in humanistic and philosophical studies. Within the MAP project, such issues of under-representation and marginalisation are understood in a wide-ranging way, starting from the intersection of gender issues with cultural, ethnic, socio-economic, religious or physical and psychological disability aspects. In the years 2020-2022, the MAP group organised various research and dissemination activities, organising workshops, reading groups, and several online seminars in the form of Flash Talks! and Flash Panels!, mainly related to gender issues, with reference to both contemporary philosophical research and the history of philosophy and the philosophical canon. We have also been involved in organising seminars and activities for high schools on issues of gender inequality and violence in the academic context. We have collaborated with many institutions and associations, including the Comitato Unico di Garanzia UNIPR, which has funded some of our projects, and the SWIP Italia association. Created within the Vita Activa philosophical association, the MAP Parma group embraces the values of MAP international and aims to raise awareness and discussion in the city regarding minority issues that are most present in the area, such as women's experiences, the issue of disability and the LGBTQ+ community. Those interested in the activities can follow the group's facebook and Instagram (@mapparma) pages. To contact the group and receive information, please write to: irene.binini@unipr.it.

“PENSARE LA VITA” (THINKING ABOUT LIFE)

In collaboration with the cultural association "La Ginestra," the Philosophy Unit has endorsed and is actively involved in the philosophical training course titled "Pensare la vita" (Thinking Life), which is open to the public. The course takes place in person at the Palazzo del Governatore from October to December. For further details and the program of various editions, you can refer to the course's website at the following link: http://www.la-ginestra.com/pensare-la-vita/

PHILO-DIFFUSIONE (PHILO-DIFFUSION - PHILOSOPHICAL ITINERARY FOR CITIZENS)

Beginning in the year 2024/2025, the Philosophy Unit of the Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, in collaboration with the Palatine Library, the Friends of the Pilotta Association, and the Italian Philosophical Society - Parma Section, is proposing a series of meetings aimed at citizens entitled “PHILO-DIFFUSION,” on topics in contemporary philosophy and the history of philosophy. The collaboration of the University of Parma with the Palatina Library will make it possible to combine the discussion of philosophical topics with the viewing of valuable manuscripts and texts from the library's holdings, which will be displayed at the meetings. Information is available from Irene Binini and Wolfgang Huemer. For the current year's program, see the attached poster. 
 

Recording of Welcome Day Academic Year 2023-2024