Learning objectives
By the end of the course the student:
- will acquire a basic understanding of some of the main issues discussed in the philosophy of emotions and, in particular, he/she will be able to understand the centrality that emotional experiences have assumed within the history of modern and contemporary philosophy (Descriptor 1);
- will know the fundamental terminology to understand philosophical texts concerning affective topics. Particular attention—both from a theoretical and historical-philosophical point of view—will be given to the terms: perception, sensation, representation, feeling, emotion, affective state. Additionally, the student will acquire the ability to navigate the history of ideas, understanding which topics are discussed within the contemporary debate (Descriptor 2);
- will be able to take a position on the issues addressed, with particular attention to the cognitive and physiological functions of emotions (Descriptor 3);
- will develop the ability to argue in favor of the thesis supported, taking into account the historical-philosophical context of reference. The student will be able to read and understand the works of the authors on the exam syllabus independently (Descriptors 4-5).
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
Emotions Between Body and Mind: Paths in the History of Modern and Contemporary Philosophy
Within the history of modern and contemporary philosophy, emotions, and more generally, affective experiences, have been the subject of numerous studies that have highlighted not only their cognitive function but also their physiological-regulatory function. This is a topic that, over the course of the twentieth century, has generated increasing interest and, from a historical perspective, finds its roots in the seventeenth-century debate regarding the relationships between body and mind. The aim of the course is to provide a general introduction to the philosophy of emotions through the presentation and discussion of theories proposed by Spinoza, Nietzsche, and Scheler, which offer interesting points of reflection for understanding how emotions are defined within the contemporary debate.
Full programme
Emotions Between Body and Mind: Paths in the History of Modern and Contemporary Philosophy
B. Spinoza, Etica, in B. Spinoza, Tutte le opere, Bompiani, Milano 2011, pp. 1315-1430.
F. Nietzsche, Aurora. Pensieri sui pregiudizi morali, Adelphi, Milano 2020, pp. 3-115.
M. Scheler, Il formalismo nell’etica e l’etica materiale dei valori, Bompiani, Milano 2013, pp. 643-671.
A. Damasio, Alla ricerca di Spinoza. Emozioni, sentimenti e cervello, Adelphi, Milano 2003 (passi scelti).
Further readings:
E. Scribano, Introduzione alla lettura dell'"Etica" di Spinoza, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2008;
G. Cusinato, Biosemiotica e psicopatologia dell’ordo amoris. In dialogo con Max Scheler, FrancoAngeli, Milano 2018;
L.S. Vygotskij, Teoria delle emozioni. Studio storico psicologico, Mimesis, Milano-Udine 2019;
S. Pethick, Affectivity and Philosophy After Spinoza and Nietzsche: Making Knowledge the Most Powerful Affect, Palgrave Macmillan, New York 2015.
Bibliography
B. Spinoza, Etica, in B. Spinoza, Tutte le opere, Bompiani, Milano 2011, pp. 1315-1430.
F. Nietzsche, Aurora. Pensieri sui pregiudizi morali, Adelphi, Milano 2020, pp. 3-115.
M. Scheler, Il formalismo nell’etica e l’etica materiale dei valori, Bompiani, Milano 2013, pp. 643-671
A. Damasio, Alla ricerca di Spinoza. Emozioni, sentimenti e cervello, Adelphi, Milano 2003 (passi scelti).
Teaching methods
Lectures. Reading, analysis and discussion of the authors' works, workshops, written training.
Assessment methods and criteria
Ongoing training and final examination. The oral examination is aimed to verify: I) command of the topics and of the texts presented in class; II) the ability to contextualize issues within the historical-philosophical reference-horizon
Other information
On the Elly's course webpage, excerpts from the exam program's works, video recordings of the lectures, and supporting didactic materials will be made available.
