Learning objectives
In-depth knowledge and understanding of theoretical philosophy, its relation to historical contexts, and its application to contemporary
debates. Ability to discuss in an argumentative form the subject-matters proposed in the lessons and to critically compare the interpretations of
the assigned texts. Development of communicative and learning skills, and of the ability to make autonomous judgments on philosophical matters.
Course unit content
Genealogy of Theoretical Philosophy
What is theoretical Philosophy? The course will offer a short introduction to the notion of "theoretical philosophy", examining different conceptual and historical ways to understand it and to relate theory and praxis. The course will include a seminar on pragmatism and John Dewey's "Social and Political Philosophy".
Bibliography
Plato, Republic, books V (473 D- 480A), VI, VII
Aristotle, Metaphysics, Book I, 1-2; Book II; Book IV, 1-4; Book VI
Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book VI
Immanuel Kant, Critique of Judgment, Introduction, part I-II
Karl Marx, Theses on Feuerbach https://www.marxists.org/italiano/marx-engels/1845/3/tesi-f.htm
Max Horkheimer, “Teoria tradizionale e teoria critica”, in Max Horkheimer, Teoria Critica, Vol. II, a cura di A. Bellan, Mimesis, 2014, pp. 135-186
John Dewey, Rifare la filosofia, Donzelli, Roma, 2002, Introduzione e cap. 1, pp. 3-48
John Dewey, Lezioni di filosofia politica e sociale, Rosenberg & Sellier, Torino, 2016
Students not attending the lessons are recommended to elaborate on the authors included in the bibliography by making use of an handbook on the History of Philosophy (suggested text: N. Abbagnano, Storia della filosofia, UTET, Torino)
Teaching methods
teacher up-front lesson
Guided discussion
Seminar
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam will include a short written exercise (a book review of max. 4000 characters) su un testo assegnato (10 % of the final grade), and
will be taken in the form of an interview regarding the texts included in the program (90 % of the final grade)
The final evaluation (on a scale of 0-30) will be determined on the basis of four factors: 1) Expressive accuracy; 2) argumentative capacity and independence of judgment; 3) Ability to read, understand, and critically analyze philosophical texts; 4) Ability to identify theoretical links between different concepts and philosophical positions.
The exam is considered passed if it reaches the minimum grade of 18/30. The final mark will be determined according to the following parameters:
30 e Lode: Cum Laude; Outstanding expressive skills, brilliant ability to argue a thesis in a convincing way and to identify its weaknesses, terrific understanding and critical analysis of the texts assigned and the main concepts involved
30: Excellent; accurate and very well articulated expression skills, excellent understanding of the texts assigned and the concepts and topics involved
27-29: Very Good; correct and orderly expression skills, adequate capacity for argumentation and critical analysis of texts and concepts
24-26: Good: Good but not always correct expression skills, satisfactory ability to argue a philosophical thesis and to analyze texts and concepts, knowledge of texts not always complete
21-23: Discreet: not always appropriate expression skills, discreet argumentative ability, sometimes unsatisfactory understanding of texts and concepts
18-21: Sufficient: expressive skills often not adequate, unsatisfactory argumentative capacity, acceptable but often superficial knowledge and understanding of texts and concepts
0-18: Insufficient: Serious expressive gaps, inability to philosophically argue a thesis, inadequate knowledge and understanding of texts and concepts
