Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide an introduction to the history of philosophy and its terminology, whereas special attention will be paid to the birth of philosophy in Ancient Greece and its (early-)modern developments, which occurred simultaneously with the establishment of vernacular languages. The main focus will be on fostering a critical approach to the most important texts, which will be dealt with from an interdisciplinary perspective open particularly to literature. At the end of the course students will be able to demonstrate the attainment of the following learning objectives: - Knowledge: 1) Knowledge and understanding of the philosophical contexts of the past (historical-cultural contexts, philosophical traditions), with special attention being given to ancient and (early-)modern philosophy; 2) Knowledge and understanding of the theories developed by the major authors of the history of philosophy, with special attention being given to ancient and (early-)modern philosophy, and the relationship between philosophy and literature; 3) Knowledge and understanding of the philosophical lexicon, its developments in the different contexts of vernacular languages and the relevant translation practices. - Skills: 1) Applying knowledge and understanding to the critical reading of and commentary on philosophical texts; this should be demonstrated by the mastery of an appropriate vocabulary; 2) Making autonomous judgments and engaging in independent reasoning; 3) Developing communication skills, also according to the recipient, in the following areas: participating in guided discussions, explaining ideas and defending these through arguments, and possibly delivering short presentations; 4) Enacting autonomous learning skills through the development of an appropriate study and interpretation methodology in relation to both texts and contexts; 5) Developing the ability to connect study outcomes with personal experience, the specific curriculum chosen and today’s world, wherein particular attention will be paid to ability to differentiate between historical circumstances and contexts, as well as to draw comparisons, both methodological and thematic, between philosophy and literature.