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; G. Paganini (ed.), La filosofia dei moderni, Carocci, Roma, 2020 (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.