Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding of political and philosophical texts; logical skills and critical analysis of philosophical-political arguments. Elaboration of short texts with adequate use of the philosophical-political lexicon. Ability to elaborate and communicate good arguments, related to the concepts learned during the course, and to develop them autonomously.
Prerequisites
no
Course unit content
Leviathan's enigma: philosophy and anthropology in Thomas Hobbes' thought.
Full programme
The course will be devoted to the political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes and to the analysis of the famous Leviathan's title page. The anthropological aspects of the hobbesian state of nature will be deeply examined, comparing "De Cive" and "Leviathan". Furthemore, the concept of representation, which Hobbes introduces in the first part of "Leviathan", will also be considered with particular attention.
Bibliography
Thomas Hobbes, "Leviathan", Milano, Rizzoli, 2013.
Teaching methods
The course will mainly take place through lectures. The student will have to carry out a written exercise on a topic agreed with the teacher.
Assessment methods and criteria
The verification of learning will take place through an oral exam, in which the understanding and critical analysis of philosophical-political texts will be carefully evaluated. Students will have to elaborate a short text: the evaluation of the written texts will be based on the correctness of the arguments and the philosophical-political lexicon. The oral and the written communication will both be subjected to careful evaluation and will contribute to the determination of the final grade.
Other information
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