Ateneo - UPO

David Hume: from the Early Memoranda to the Treatise of Human Nature

–– David Hume, Trattato sulla natura umana, a cura di E. Lecaldano. Bari-Roma, Laterza, 1982 (reprinted many times).
–– David Hume, The Early Memoranda (text provided by the teacher)

The course aims to reconstruct the genesis of Hume's thought through from his early writings to the Treatise of Human Nature (1739-40) showing that empiricism is the point of arrival, and not the point of departure, of Hume's thought.

At a basic level, the course aims to develop:
knowledge and understanding of the main topics, concepts, authors, and problems addressed in the course;
the ability to understand and analyse the texts and philosophical problems included in the programme;
the ability to present the contents clearly, using appropriate disciplinary terminology.

At an advanced level, the course aims to develop:
in-depth and structured knowledge of the topics, concepts, and authors addressed in the course;
the ability to apply the knowledge acquired to the analysis and interpretation of the texts and problems discussed;
the ability to establish independent and well-argued connections between different topics, authors, and perspectives, using rigorous disciplinary terminology.

Textbook knowledge of early-modern philosophy

Oral courses

/

Written test in itinere. Final oral examination.

The assessment is designed to verify the achievement of the course objectives and intended learning outcomes, both at a basic and at an advanced level.

The assessment will take into account, in particular:
knowledge and understanding of the course contents;
the ability to apply knowledge to the analysis of the texts and problems addressed;
independent judgement and argumentative skills;
clarity of exposition and appropriate use of disciplinary terminology.

The minimum passing level corresponds to knowledge of the fundamental contents and the ability to correctly reconstruct the main topics, concepts, and arguments addressed in the course.

An advanced level requires, in addition to knowledge of the contents, the ability to carry out critical analysis and interpretation, establish connections, and formulate independent arguments, using disciplinary terminology rigorously.

The course aims to reconstruct the genesis of Hume's thought through a study of the Early Memoranda, which allow us to understand that the origin of Hume's mature thought, as attested by the Treatise of Human Nature (1739-40) is to be found in a strictly metaphysical and theological approach, and that empiricism is the point of arrival, and not the point of departure, of Hume's thought

The student must demonstrate a good knowledge of the genesis of Hume's thought and its first organic expression, the Treatise on Human Nature.

At a basic level, at the end of the course, students will be able to:
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main contents, concepts, and problems addressed in the course;
reconstruct the main theses and arguments of the authors and texts studied;
correctly use the main concepts and disciplinary terminology.

At an advanced level, at the end of the course, students will be able to:
critically analyse the texts, theses, and problems addressed in the course;
apply the knowledge acquired to the interpretation of the texts and problems proposed;
establish independent and well-argued connections between the different topics, authors, and problems addressed.