Learning objectives
This course offers in-depth knowledge of some crucial problems in theoretical philosophy, such as identity and the metaphysics of agency. It aims to provide adequate analityc, logic and argumentative skills. In particular, it aims to train to critically assess theories and models of rationality. Seminars are devoted to train students to build valid arguments and assess their logical tenability. (Descriptor I)
To this purpose, students are strongly encouraged to participate to class discussion with a presentation about a critical review of a chapter in bibliography, and a final essay with a critical and argumentative account of the philosophical problem chosen. (Descriptor II)
To further develop argumentative and communication skills, there will be a workshop in philosophical writing. (Descriptor IV)
Prerequisites
None. An introduction to the methods of analytic philosophy is advisable.
Course unit content
This course addresses a fundamental problem in theoretical philosophy, that is, the rational foundation and normative sources of diachronic and shared agency actions, the principles of rational choice, possibility of cooperative interactions, and collective emotions. In particular, the course studies Michael Bratman's planning theory and the issue of collective responsibility.
Full programme
LANGUAGE: IT
CONTENTS
This course addresses a fundamental problem in theoretical philosophy, that is, the rational foundation and normative sources of diachronic and shared agency actions, the principles of rational choice, possibility of cooperative interactions, and collective emotions. In particular, the course studies Michael Bratman's planning theory and the issue of collective responsibility.
TEXTS
Bratman, Michael (2014). Shared Agency: A Planning Theory of Acting Together. Oup Usa.
Bratman, Michael E. (1992). Shared cooperative activity. Philosophical Review 101 (2):327-341.
Bratman, Michael E. (2012). Time, rationality and self-governance. Philosophical Issues 22 (1):73-88.
Ludwig, Kirk & Jankovic, Marija (eds.) (2018). The Routledge Handbook of Collective Intentionality. Routledge.
TEXTS FOR STUDENTS LM ASMC (MODENA)
Avishai Margalit. (2006) L’etica della memoria, Il Mulino.
Jon Elster (2004) Closing the Books. Cambridge University Press.
memoria, Il Mulino.
AIMS
This course offers in-depth knowledge of some crucial problems in theoretical philosophy, such as identity and the metaphysics of agency. It aims to provide adequate analityc, logic and argumentative skills. In particular, it aims to train to critically assess theories and models of rationality. Seminars are devoted to train students to build valid arguments and assess their logical tenability. (Descriptor I)
To this purpose, students are strongly encouraged to participate to class discussion with a presentation about a critical review of a chapter in bibliography, and a final essay with a critical and argumentative account of the philosophical problem chosen. (Descriptor II)
To further develop argumentative and communication skills, there will be a workshop in philosophical writing. (Descriptor IV)
PRE-REQUISITES
None. An introduction to the methods of analytic philosophy is advisable.
DIDACTIC METHODS
Lectures and seminars.
Lectures offer a critical analysis of problems and philosophical texts.
Seminars are devoted to three kinds of activities:
a) class discussion of texts and arguments of the course
b) students’ presentations consisting in a critical account of a chapter in bibliography.
Criteria of Evaluation
Threshold for 18: sufficient comprehension of the topics, sufficient expository clarity and sufficient competence in the use of the philosophical vocabulary.
Threshold for 24: discrete comprehension of the topics, discrete expository clarity and discrete competence in the use of the philosophical vocabulary.
Threshold for 27: good comprehension of the topics, good expository clarity and good competence in the use of the philosophical vocabulary.
Threshold for 30: excellent comprehension of the topics, excellent expository clarity and excellent competence in the use of the philosophical vocabulary.
Threshold for 30 cum laude: as for 30, plus elements of originality (e.g. critical assessment of the course topics or new personal contribution to them) and/or particularly in-depth analysis of the course topics.
Students with regular attendance:
• Final essay of 3000 words (bibliography excluded) in Italian or English), on a topic chosen in consultation with the professor. Outline of the paper must be in English.
• Oral examination on the main topics of the course and defense of the final essay.
For students not attending classes:
• Oral examination on the full bibliography of the course.
• Final essay of 6000 words (bibliography excluded) in Italian or English), on a topic assigned by the instructor.
International Students
International Students have the opportunity to be examined in English. (All other requirements above apply)
Bibliography
Bratman, Michael (2014). Shared Agency: A Planning Theory of Acting Together. Oup Usa.
Bratman, Michael E. (1992). Shared cooperative activity. Philosophical Review 101 (2):327-341.
Bratman, Michael E. (2012). Time, rationality and self-governance. Philosophical Issues 22 (1):73-88.
Ludwig, Kirk & Jankovic, Marija (eds.) (2018). The Routledge Handbook of Collective Intentionality. Routledge.
TEXTS FOR STUDENTS LM ASMC (MODENA)
Avishai Margalit. (2006) L’etica della memoria, Il Mulino.
Jon Elster (2004) Closing the Books. Cambridge University Press.
memoria, Il Mulino.
Teaching methods
Lectures and seminars.
Lectures offer a critical analysis of problems and philosophical texts.
Seminars are devoted to three kinds of activities:
a) class discussion of texts and arguments of the course
b) students’ presentations consisting in a critical account of a chapter in bibliography
Assessment methods and criteria
Students with regular attendance:
• Final essay of 3000 words (bibliography excluded) in Italian or English), on a topic chosen in consultation with the professor. Outline of the paper must be in English.
• Oral examination on the main topics of the course and defense of the final essay.
For students not attending classes:
• Oral examination on the full bibliography of the course.
• Final essay of 6000 words (bibliography excluded) in Italian or English), on a topic assigned by the instructor.
International Students
International Students have the opportunity to be examined in English. (All other requirements above apply)
Other information
Criteria of Evaluation
Threshold for 18: sufficient comprehension of the topics, sufficient expository clarity and sufficient competence in the use of the philosophical vocabulary.
Threshold for 24: discrete comprehension of the topics, discrete expository clarity and discrete competence in the use of the philosophical vocabulary.
Threshold for 27: good comprehension of the topics, good expository clarity and good competence in the use of the philosophical vocabulary.
Threshold for 30: excellent comprehension of the topics, excellent expository clarity and excellent competence in the use of the philosophical vocabulary.
Threshold for 30 cum laude: as for 30, plus elements of originality (e.g. critical assessment of the course topics or new personal contribution to them) and/or particularly in-depth analysis of the course topics.
