Learning outcomes

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course intends to deliver the conceptual, methodological and cultural bases necessary in order to analyse and interpret as well the aesthetic thematics in a straight sense (sensory perception and knowledge) and the art works in a wider sense. The course also aims at the understanding of the logics and the conceptual structures and at the capacity to use a precise and adequate language; thus, it intends to make the students acquire the competences to form autonomously a critical judgement and to express it adequately.

Program

Title:
Mythology of Reason: Kant and the Beginnings of German Idealism. Aesthetical Perception and Logical Thought in the History of Philosophy

Contents:
The first part of the course deals with different relationships between mimesis and ratio focalizing on some of the fundamental passages in history (Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Rationalism, Empirism, Baumgarten). Furthermore, also studying analytically Kant’s Critique of Judgement the course will focus on the major concepts of Kant’s aesthetics such as, for instance, beauty, the sublime or the genius. Finally the course will treat the principal post-kantian aesthetic conceptions in German thought focussing especially on the relationship between the arts and moral philosophy or ethics. This final part will concern espacially the aesthetics of Hegel in relation to The Oldest System Programme of German Idealism and to romantic thinkers like Hölderlin, Novalis and Schlegel.

Literature:
1) M. Ophälders, Filosofia arte estetica, Mimesis, Milano 2008
2) I. Kant, Critica del giudizio, Introduzione e Parte I (§§ 1-60) (Edizione a cura di A. Gragiulo, Laterza)
3) E. Cassirer, Vita e dottrina di Immanuel Kant, La Nuova Italia 1997 (capitoli II.v, III, IV, V e VI)
4) Hegel (?), Schelling (?), Hölderlin (?), Il più antico programma di sistema dell’idealismo tedesco, a cura di L. Amoroso, ETS, Pisa 2007

Non-attending students prepare the whole book of Cassirer.
DIDACTIC MODES

The didactic methods adopted are not distinct between attending and non-attending students. They consist of frontal lessons devoted to the transmission of fundamental concepts and structures of thinking and reflection and their respective application tools to implement theoretical notions in the direction of autonomous critical judgment.
Throughout the academic year, the teacher also holds a regular individual Reception at the times indicated on his page (without having to set a specific appointment). However, it is recommended that you consult the messages to be informed of any changes. During the first lesson, attending students will receive the full lesson schedule with the dates and topics discussed. Information on timetables and classrooms is also provided.
The course will be accompanied by a workshop during which the topics discussed during the frontal lessons will be discussed and deepened.
The content of books and lessons is adhering to the program.

Examination Methods

ASSESSMENT METHODS AND CRITERIA

The assessment of the learning outcomes involves an oral test, during which the issues discussed during the course and studied in the texts will be developed. The exam aims at ensuring knowledge of the topics under discussion and the ability to apply the concepts and logical methodologies to the various issues proposed.

This indivisible oral test is about the whole program and consists of a two-part interview - one with the teacher and one with one of his collaborators - and tries to verify:
- the depth and breadth of the knowledge gained;
- the property of language;
- the ability to systematically connect knowledge;
- analytical and argumentative ability.

The vote is expressed in marks from 18 to 30/30.

ERASMUS students are requested to contact the teacher at the beginning of the courses to agree together the teaching methods and the assessment tests.