Ateneo - UPO

Scepticism and Modernity
The course will examine the rediscovery of scepticism in the Renaissance and the early modern philosophy, as well as the relationship of the main modern philosophers to the problem of skepsis. In particular, the role played by this philosophical idea and orientation on the systems of thought of the modern age will be examined, especially with regard to the philosophical ideas characteristic of modernity: rationalism and empiricism.

G. Paganini, Il dubbio dei moderni. Una storia dello scetticismo, Carocci, Roma, 2022. M. Mori, Storia della filosofia moderna, Laterza, Roma-Bari, 2021 (le parti dedicate agli autori presenti nel programma). Altri materiali saranno forniti dal docente.

1) Knowledge: at the first level, it is required to have a general knowledge of philosophical texts and currents (from Telesius to Kant), on the topic of scepticism. At an advanced level, an in-depth knowledge of the texts is required, knowing how to refer to secondary bibliography.
2) Mastery of disciplinary scientific vocabulary: at a basic level, students are expected to know and master the scientific vocabulary of each author, knowing how to explain philosophical concepts in a clear, simple, but comprehensive manner. At an advanced level, a broad mastery of scientific vocabulary is required, which must be used consciously and critically.
3) Ability to compare, identify and make connections between authors and different philosophical theories: at a basic level, one is required to be able to compare the texts and interpretations of philosophers, identifying general correlations between concepts. At a more advanced level, you are required to critically compare texts and concepts, also highlighting problematic aspects.
4) At a basic level, ability to communicate content clearly and comprehensively is required, with teaching purposes.
4b) Ability to use philosophical tools and content to analyze and address issues and problems related to the contemporary world: at an advanced level is required to be able to use the tools and conceptual devices provided by philosophers to analyze the contemporary world.
5) Argumentation skills: at a basic level is required to know how to develop a clear, simple and straightforward philosophical argument. At an advanced level, one is required to mobilize the resources learned to develop an autonomous interpretation of texts and authors.

General knowledge of ancient and medieval philosophy

Lectures, seminar discussions. During the lessons, professor will present an author or a philosophical current, critically analysing philosophical texts. Short passages from the texts, PPT and PDF presentations, and further supplementary material will be made available on DIR.

Written exam and oral test (NB: the written exam will only be in the first session. For all other sessions there will be an oral examination).
In the written examination, knowledge of the philosophical theories of the modern age that have been studied and analysed during the course will be tested. In the oral examination, on the other hand, you will be asked to develop an autonomous interpretation relating to an author.
As regards the written test: at a first level, the student is required to set out in a clear and linear manner the thought of an author or a philosophical current, using an adequate scientific-disciplinary vocabulary. At a more advanced level you are required to highlight the nuances and problematics of the thought of an author or a philosophical current, using an articulate and complete disciplinary vocabulary.
With regard to the oral exam: at a first level, students are required to be able to examine the interpretations of the classics proposed by the critical essays (provided by the lecturer) and at a more advanced level they are required to be able to move between the different interpretations and analyse the problematic nature of these, also advancing autonomous critical reflections.
The assessment of the written and oral examination will be based on the expected learning outcomes

The following authors in particular will be examined during the course: Montaigne and the late Renaissance, Francis Bacon, Galileo Galilei and the Scientific Revolution, René Descartes, Thomas Hobbes, Baruch Spinoza, John Locke, David Hume, and Immanuel Kant.

1) To know the meaning and scope of scepticism in the modern era;
2) To know the role played by scepticism in the main authors of the modern era, considering it in the light of the major philosophical constructions of modernity: rationalism and empiricism
3) To know the gnoseology and epistemology of modern authors
3) Mastering historiographical concepts and categories, using an adequate disciplinary scientific vocabulary
4) Argue using the philosophical concepts of modern thought.