Ateneo - UPO

History of philosophy from the 6th c. BC to the 14th c. AD

P. Porro, Filosofia antica e medievale, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2008, pp. 212ss.

The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the principal authors, schools, and philosophical problems of medieval philosophy, highlighting their relationship to the ancient philosophical tradition, and especially to Aristotle. Through the reading and discussion of significant texts, students will progressively develop skills in understanding, interpretation, and communication at increasing levels of achievement.

Basic level (Satisfactory): acquire an essential knowledge of the principal authors, schools, and philosophical problems of medieval philosophy and their continuity with ancient philosophy.
Intermediate level (Fair): understand the historical and cultural context of philosophical texts, use appropriate philosophical terminology, and discuss the principal interpretative issues.
Good level: interpret texts and doctrines critically, establishing connections between the ancient and medieval philosophical traditions, with particular reference to Aristotle.
Advanced level (Excellent): analyse the principal themes of medieval philosophy independently, argue for well-reasoned interpretations, and communicate the results of philosophical analysis with clarity and precision.

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 interest. Interest in teaching is welcome. Moreover, it is better to have passed the Ancient Philosophy exam beforehands. It is not recommanted, even if it is possible, to take both exams in a single session.

Face-to-face instruction. Interactive Lessons and debates. Seminars. Invited sessions, conferences and seminars. Cooperation in preparation of public third mission events (optional)

LM Students who already took the exam in History of Medieval Philosophy are invited to contact the teacher for the sake of a personal exam program in Mediecal Philosophy. LM Students who did not take the exam in History of Medieval Philosophy yet are invited to prepare the same exam program as LT students.

NB For the medieval philosophy exam only, a preliminary candidate's choice of a discussion topic is allowed. As a mere exercise (with no score) it is possible to send to the teacher (mobile: +39 3500342866; or by email attachment) a video tutorial with a minimum recommended duration of 3 and a maximum of 10 minutes on both parts of the program, Ancient Philosophy and Medieval Philosophy. 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.

Oral exam: students are invited to give a presentation about a fee choice subject matter in Middle Age Philosophy. Two or more questions may follow about the history of philosophy (80 % of the final score altogether). Testing the basic tools philosophy (time line and historical geography - 10% of the final score) The final grade will be based on the degree of knowledge and understanding of the texts and of the theoretical concepts, on the ability to apply knowledge to the text or to the proposed interpretation problem, and on the degree of expressive and communicative capacity (10% of the final score) Written in itinere proofs, if any, will be validated with at least 7/10 of correct answers.

The course examines medieval philosophy within the broader continuity of the ancient philosophical tradition, tracing its development from Late Antiquity to the fourteenth century. Through the reading and discussion of significant texts, students will explore the principal authors, schools, and philosophical problems of the Middle Ages, with particular attention to the transmission of the Aristotelian tradition and the development of Scholastic philosophy.

The programme includes: Late Antiquity as the bridge between ancient and medieval philosophy; the formation of the Aristotelian corpus and its principal exegetical traditions; Neoplatonism and Early Christianity; 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 also be devoted to the transmission of texts, the history of ideas, and the relationship between philosophy, theology, and medieval culture. Among the topics for further discussion is the role of women in Late Antique and Medieval philosophical culture.

The course will make use of chronological and geographical tools, including timelines, historical geography, and guided reading of philosophical texts.

English

Intended Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will have acquired a knowledge of medieval philosophy within the broader context of the ancient philosophical tradition. At a basic level, they will know the principal authors, schools, concepts, and historical developments of medieval thought. At an advanced level, they will critically understand the continuity between ancient and medieval philosophy, the role of the Aristotelian tradition, and the principal philosophical and interpretative issues of the Middle Ages.

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 be able to use the methodological tools of the discipline independently in the analysis and critical interpretation of medieval philosophical texts.

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 establish connections between the ancient and medieval philosophical traditions.

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 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 medieval 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, thereby laying the foundations for further academic study and research.