Ateneo - UPO

The course introduces the history of philosophy from its origins to the fourteenth century, highlighting both the continuity and the transformation of ancient and medieval thought. Through the study of the principal authors, schools, and philosophical problems, students will acquire the fundamental tools needed to understand the development of the Western philosophical tradition, with particular attention to Aristotle and the transmission of his thought throughout the Middle Ages.

Textbooks

Mario Vegetti, Filosofia e sapere della città antica, Milan, Hoepli, 2018 (reference textbook for the Ancient Philosophy section of the course).
Pasquale Porro – Costantino Esposito, Filosofia antica e medievale, Laterza, latest available edition (reference textbook for the Medieval Philosophy section of the course; students are required to study the sections concerning medieval philosophy).
Mandatory Introduction to Ancient Philosophy, by Silvia Fazzo, available on the DIR platform as a starting point before the first exam.
Additional lecture notes, anthologies of primary texts, and other teaching materials will be made available through the DIR platform during the course.

The same study materials apply to both attending and non-attending students.

The course aims to develop a progressive understanding of the history of philosophy from its origins to the fourteenth century, highlighting the continuity and transformation of ancient and medieval thought. Through the reading and discussion of significant texts, students will progressively develop skills in understanding, interpretation, and communication.

Basic level (Satisfactory): acquire an essential knowledge of the principal authors, schools, and philosophical problems of ancient and medieval philosophy, understanding their historical context and main developments.
Intermediate level (Fair): understand the relationship between ancient and medieval philosophy, use appropriate philosophical terminology, and discuss the principal interpretative issues.
Good level: interpret texts and philosophical doctrines critically, reconstructing their historical and conceptual development and recognising the role of the Aristotelian tradition in the formation of medieval thought.
Advanced level (Excellent): analyse the principal themes of ancient and medieval philosophy independently, formulate well-reasoned judgements, establish connections between historical and theoretical perspectives, and communicate philosophical arguments with clarity, precision, and intellectual rigour.

Standard skill as provided and certified by the High School final exams, with special reference to uses of language and to logical skills, see for reference the CdS SUA. Individual research

Face-to-face instruction. Interactive Lessons. Seminars. Invited sessions and seminars

Students are expected to be able to explain on a given subject to high school students. It is highly suggested to practice with expositions. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

English

Assessment consists of an integrated oral examination covering both Ancient and Medieval Philosophy. Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the principal authors, schools, and philosophical problems discussed during the course, placing them in their historical context and explaining their conceptual development. They will also be required to read and discuss selected texts, using appropriate philosophical terminology and formulating well-reasoned judgements.

The final mark is awarded jointly on the basis of the overall knowledge, competences, and skills demonstrated in both parts of the integrated course.

Assessment criteria include:

knowledge of the course contents and primary texts;
ability to place philosophical ideas in their historical and intellectual context;
analytical and interpretative skills;
independent judgement;
clarity of presentation and appropriate use of philosophical terminology.

Where written in-course assessments are provided, they are considered passed with at least 70% correct answers.

The course traces the history of philosophy from its origins to the fourteenth century, highlighting the continuity and transformation of ancient and medieval thought through the reading and discussion of significant texts.

The section devoted to Ancient Philosophy includes: the emergence of philosophy in ancient Greece as a historiographical problem; the Presocratic philosophers; Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle; the principal Hellenistic schools; the Aristotelian school in the Roman period and the formation of the Aristotelian corpus.

The section devoted to Medieval Philosophy includes: Late Antiquity as the bridge between ancient and medieval philosophy; Neoplatonism and Early Christianity; the transmission of the ancient philosophical tradition; the reception of Aristotle in the Latin Middle Ages; the foundations of medieval logic and dialectic; and the principal developments of medieval philosophy up to the fourteenth century.

Particular attention will be devoted to the relationship between ancient and medieval philosophy, the transmission of philosophical texts, the history of ideas, and the formation of the conceptual language of Western philosophy. The course will make use of timelines, historical geography, and guided reading of philosophical texts.

Gender perspectives: the role of women in ancient and medieval philosophical culture, with particular attention to female figures in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages and to their place in the transmission and reception of the philosophical tradition.

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will have acquired a knowledge of the history of philosophy from its origins to the fourteenth century, understanding the continuity and transformation of ancient and medieval thought. At a basic level, they will know the principal authors, schools, concepts, and historical developments. At an advanced level, they will critically understand the relationship between ancient and medieval philosophy, the role of the Aristotelian tradition, and the principal philosophical and interpretative issues.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

At a basic level, students will be able to place authors, texts, and doctrines within their historical and cultural context and apply the methods of textual analysis introduced during the course. At an advanced level, they will analyse and critically interpret philosophical texts, establishing connections between philosophical problems, authors, and traditions.

Making Judgements

At a basic level, students will be able to understand and discuss the principal interpretations of philosophical texts and problems. At an advanced level, they will critically compare different interpretations, formulate independent and well-reasoned judgements, and recognise elements of continuity and innovation between ancient and medieval philosophy.

Communication Skills

At a basic level, students will be able to present the fundamental contents of the course using appropriate philosophical terminology. At an advanced level, they will discuss the principal authors and schools of ancient and medieval philosophy with clarity and rigour, constructing coherent and well-reasoned arguments both orally and in writing.

Learning Skills

At a basic level, students will have acquired the tools necessary to continue the independent study of the history of philosophy. At an advanced level, they will be able to deepen their understanding of specific topics through the study of primary sources and specialist scholarship, laying the foundations for further study in ancient and medieval philosophy.