Learning outcomes

First we aim at carrying on a new reading of Ancient Philosophy as an ‘art of living’ and at showing, by comparison with it, analogies with, and differences from, the ancient Chinese philosophical thought (Taoism). Also we aim at teaching the use of the proper philosophical terminology (nearly all deriving from ancient Greek) and the critical reading of original philosophical texts, in order to acquire basic philosophical matters and concepts. Finally, through seminars and debates, we aim at making postgraduates to acquire a skill to cross-examination.

Program

Prerequisites: A general knowledge of the history of Greek and Latin philosophy (from VIth Century b.C. to 529 a.D.) is presupposed. A competence in ancient Greek makes it easier the work within this scientific field, however it is not compulsory. An attention to lexical research and an interest in a critical reading of philosophical texts and to arguments are very useful.

Course content: “Askesis. From self-knowledge and self-care to self-surpassing between ancient Greece and China”. We will study, with the help of recent literature, particularly the French one (P. Hadot, M. Foucault), the concept of “spiritual exercise” (àskesis). We will examine particularly the points of self-knowledge-self-care (Foucault’s aesthetic of existence) and self-surpassing (Hadot’s cosmic conscience). We will read texts of the ancient Greek philosophical tradition (the archaic, classic and hellenistic one, viz. Plato, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius) and the most ancient document (IV-III Century b.C.) of Chinese Taoist tradition (Tao Te Ching).

Teaching methods: The course will be carried on by frontal lessons, with direct reading of the texts and following discussions. Therefore attendance at classes will be very useful and desirable, though obviously not compulsory.
The same program is valid for students who cannot attend lessons; nevertheless, they must get in touch with the teacher, in order to receive indications on adding texts, whose reading will compensate for lacking attendance: these texts will be agreed for every student, with regard to his previous knowledge, curriculum and interests.

Examination Methods

Some oral questions will be put to the student; he will be invited to read and comment some passages of the original texts already read together during classes. As to the monographical part of the course, the student can choose also to write a brief paper (5-10 pp.) on some subjects discussed together, or on some passages read during classes: this relation will be orally discussed during the exam.