Learning objectives
The discipline of History of Ideas studies the philosophical and scientific thought and its connections in the historical, political and even artistic fields. Its research is mainly carried out by reading and analysing classic texts of Western thought. The aim is reaching a full understanding and evaluation of the texts, also referring on critical literature. In other words, History of Ideas is a philosophical subject on an interdisciplinary basis, and it allows to discover the connections between different fields. So it contributes to the achievement of independence of judgment and also provides the conceptual tools to consider and evaluate the complex contemporary issues. The aims of the course include a critical approach to philosophical concepts and to the texts, to be able to explain the content of them and discuss them, and ultimately to strengthen the ability to learn.
Prerequisites
None specific competence required. It is required some general knowledge of the major historical events and philosophical movements of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Course unit content
History of Ideas (M-Fil/06) 6 cfu
Title of the course: Man and Civilization: Freud and the Philosophy of Psyche
The History of Ideas course will concern Freud's philosophical thought: from the idea of investigating in mind as progressive revelation of unconscious, to the foundation of psycho-analysis. The course will be dedicated also to the problematic relationship between Freud and his disciples, especially Jung.
Full programme
Furthermore, the course will analyse the influence of The Golden Bough by Frazer on Freud’s thought, about philosophy of myth and Civilization and its discontents.
Bibliography
Texts
- A. La Vergata e F. Trabattoni, Filosofia e Cultura, Scandicci, La Nuova Italia 2007, vol. 3b, Il Novecento, pp. 68-86.
- S. Freud, Il disagio nella civiltà, Torino, Einaudi 2010.
- S. Freud, L'uomo Mosè e la religione monoteistica, Torino, Bollati Boringhieri 2013 (First and Second essay; Third essay, only § A, B, D of chapter 1 and § H of chatper 2).
- H.F. Ellenberger, Introduzione a Jung, Torino, Bollati Boringhieri 2006.
- G. Scarpelli, Il dio solo. Alle origini del monoteismo, Roma, Storia e Letteratura 2003 (pp. 9-108).
- G. Scarpelli, Il razionalista pagano. Frazer e la filosofia del mito, Milano, Meltemi 2018 (pp. 135-174).
More readings (one text chosen from the followings):
- E. Roudinesco, Sigmund Freud nel suo tempo e nel nostro, Torino, Einaudi 2015 (300 pages at your choice)
- Jung parla. Interviste e incontri, Milano, Adelphi 1995 (250 pages at your choice).
- J. Hillman, Fuochi blu, Milano, Adelphi 1996 (200 pages at your choice).
- L. Andreas Salomé, Il mio ringraziamento a Freud, Torino, Bollati Boringhieri 2006.
- W. Mertens, La psicoanalisi, Torino, Einaudi 2000.
Recommended readings (not required):
- S. Freud, Racconti analitici, Torino, Einaudi, 2011.
- G. Groddeck, Il linguaggio dell’Es, Milano, Adelphi 2005.
- E. Fachinelli, Su Freud, Milano, Adelphi 2012.
- R. Galvagno, I viaggi di Freud in Sicilia e in Magna Grecia, Catania, Maimone 2010.
- Y. Oudai Celso, Freud e la filosofia antica, Torino, Bollati Boringhieri 2006.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons. Lecture and discussion of texts.
Assessment methods and criteria
Final verbal examination. It will be judged the level of learning, the ability to discuss the contents of the course and the critical analysis of the texts, and lexical competences
Other information
Some more materials will be provided during the course, including the screening of a film.
