Learning objectives
1-Knowledge and understanding
The course introduces some the main themes of language and mind (as they are exemplified in the field of the philosophy of literature) and the role they play in different philosophical traditions. This allows the students to grasp the logical space in which the debate is situated as well as the state of the contemporary debate on the topic.
2-Applying Knowledge and understanding
Through a close analysis of arguments proposed by classical philosophers students acquire techniques necessary for formulating and criticizing an argument. In addition, they sharpen their conceptual tools to engage in the debate.
3-4- Making judgments, communication skills
Students are encouraged to participate actively in discussion in class, which should train them to weigh arguments, arrive at defending a specific position and formulate arguments in favor of it.
5-Learning skills
Great emphasis will be put on reading skills: students will be trained to recognize philosophical arguments and come up with a rational reconstruction which highlights the impact of the respective argument for the debate. In short, they acquire techniques necessary for studying other topics and doing philosophy autonomously.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The aim of the course is to present an introduction to the actual debate in philosophy of literature. In works of fiction, language seems to play a particular role, since most of the affirmations contained in the text are false: a novel describes persons that have never lived and events that have never taken place. This leads to questions how (and, if yes, what) we can learn from literature? Can we feel genuine emotions for fictional characters, even though we know that they do not exist? What do proper names contained in works of fiction refer to? We will discuss these questions of the basis of Kendall Walton's book "Mimesis as Make-Believe".
Full programme
Indications regarding the extended program can be found at the course web-site on ELLY.
Bibliography
• Scriptum of the course, which will be made available on the web-site of the course on ELLY.
• Walton, Kendall L. «Mimesis as Make-Believe: On the Foundations of the Representational Arts.» Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1990. (Selections: chapters 1; 5.2; 7.1).
• Jorge L. Borges: «Pierre Menard, l’autore del Chisciotte» in: Finzioni, Torino: Einaudi, pp. 36-47.
• Additional literature (recommended, but not obligatory):
Barbero, Carola. «Filosofia Della Letteratura». Roma: Carocci editore, 2013.
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures and discussion in class. There will be a possibility to connect to the classroom in real time via internet (depending on the sanitary situation, the method could be subject to change). Moreover, registrations of the lectures will be available for those who cannot attend the lectures in real time. In addition, we will organise (non-obbligatory) discussion groups that will allow us to further discuss the material presented in class and related topics.
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam consists of a written part with short questions, and, a few days later, an oral part with more general questions. Each part weighs 50% of the final grade.
(Please note that the sanitary situation might oblige us to change the exam-modality to online only. Should this be the case, all relevant information will be communicated on the course-website on ELLY.)
The grades range from 18 (minimum) to 30 e lode. The criteria for the assignment of the grade are:
30 e lode: excellent, profound knowledge, excellent expressive capacities, complete comprehension of the relevant concepts and arguments
30: very good, complete and adequate knowledge, good discursive capacities with respect to the topic of the course.
27-29: good, an acceptable degree of knowledge, acceptable discursive capacities with respect to the topic of the course.
24-26: mediocre level of knowledge, though incomplete and not not always correct.
21-23: basic, though superficial knowledge. Inadequate discursive competences with respect to the topic of the course.
18-21: sufficient
Below 18: insufficient. Very imcomplete knowledge, presentation unclear, incomplete comprehension of the basic concepts and arguments.
Other information
Students are warmly invited to consult the course web-site on ELLY.
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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