Ateneo - UPO

The Origins of Modern Atheism: 1500–1700. This course focuses on the gradual process of secularization in Western philosophical thought from 1500 to 1700, drawing on several particularly significant authors and texts (Pomponazzi, *Theophrastus redivivus*, Spinoza, Bayle, Meslier, Hume). The works and theses of these authors will be examined by comparing them with the preceding and contemporary philosophical-theological tradition, highlighting the revolutionary significance—from both a theoretical-conceptual and historical-critical perspective—of the emergence of the atheistic and irreligious critique of modernity.

The main texts by the authors covered in the course (Pomponazzi, *Theophrastus redivivus*, Spinoza, Bayle, Meslier, Hume) and the relevant critical literature will be provided by the instructor on the DIR platform. Additional bibliographic references and recommended editions will be provided at the beginning of the course.

1) Knowledge: At a basic level, a general understanding of the secularization process within Western philosophical culture (1500–1700) and the arguments developed by the authors covered in the course is required. At an advanced level, in-depth knowledge of primary texts (Pomponazzi, *Theophrastus Redivivus*, Spinoza, Bayle, Meslier, Hume) is required, along with the ability to contextualize them within the historical, cultural, and doctrinal events of the period. 2) Mastery of specialized disciplinary terminology: At a basic level, students must know and master the technical vocabulary of the field (history of philosophy), being able to explain concepts related to atheism, secularization, libertinism, and the critique of religion clearly, simply, and comprehensively. At an advanced level, a broad command of specialized terminology is required, necessitating its conscious and critical use. 3) Ability to compare, identify, and establish connections between the arguments of the authors analyzed: At a basic level, students must be able to compare text passages, identifying general correlations between different concepts and theoretical positions. At a more advanced level, a critical comparison of texts and authors is required, highlighting continuities, ruptures, and key theoretical turning points or problematic issues. 4) Presentation and application skills: At a basic level, the ability to communicate course content clearly and comprehensively—for educational purposes—is required. 4b) Ability to use philosophical tools and content to analyze and address contemporary themes and issues: At an advanced level, students must be able to apply the conceptual tools derived from analyzing the secularization process to understand the dynamics of contemporary debates regarding secularism, faith, and reason. 5) Argumentation skills: at a basic level, the ability to develop a clear, simple, and straightforward philosophical argument is required. At an advanced level, the ability to draw upon acquired knowledge to develop an independent and historically grounded interpretation of texts and authors is required.

None. A basic knowledge of the outlines of the history of modern philosophy is desirable.

Oral Lectures; guided discussion and textual analysis in class. During lectures, the instructor will present the figures and works of the authors under study (Pomponazzi, *Theophrastus redivivus*, Spinoza, Bayle, Meslier, Hume), situating them within the historical and cultural context spanning from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment and critically examining their positions and arguments. Short excerpts from philosophical texts and additional supplementary material will be made available by the instructor on the DIR platform.

Students are advised to register on the course's DIR page. Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request specific services and tools by contacting the Student Career Development and Coordination Staff and consulting the dedicated page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studentidisabili-e-dsa. Once they have contacted the University staff, students with disabilities, SLD, or SEN may contact the course instructor to discuss the specific arrangements for exams and other teaching-related matters.

The course consists of lectures, an optional written midterm, and a final oral exam. Assessment is based on specific criteria defined across two different levels of competence. Regarding content knowledge, the basic level requires a general understanding of the development of modern atheism and the fundamental arguments of the authors on the syllabus, whereas the advanced level demands a thorough mastery of the texts, enriched by precise references to the historical-cultural context and historiographical debates. In terms of command of disciplinary terminology, the basic level entails the correct use of the author's terminology alongside clear, comprehensive explanations of philosophical concepts, while the advanced level is distinguished by an extensive, critical, informed, and conceptually rigorous use of specialized language. Regarding the ability to draw comparisons and connections, the basic level assesses the capacity to relate different authors by identifying general links between categories; conversely, the advanced level requires a complex comparative analysis involving Pomponazzi, Spinoza, Bayle, Meslier, Hume, and their sources. The criterion concerning communication and contemporary application measures clarity of exposition at the basic level, whereas the advanced level evaluates the ability to independently apply conceptual frameworks to interpret the contemporary world. Finally, regarding argumentative skills and the ability to synthesize material, the basic level assesses the construction of a linear, clear, and coherent philosophical argument, while the advanced level rewards the independent application of knowledge to develop an original, critical interpretation of the texts.

The course focuses on the progressive secularization of Western philosophical culture between 1500 and 1700. Through an analysis of particularly significant authors and texts (Pomponazzi, the *Theophrastus redivivus*, Spinoza, Bayle, Meslier, Hume), the course aims to reconstruct the origins, theoretical underpinnings, and various forms of atheistic and irreligious thought in the early modern period. These works will be examined within the framework of intellectual history—linking them to the political, religious, and cultural events of the time—to equip students with the conceptual tools needed to critically interpret the evolution of modern philosophical thought.

1) Understand the key theoretical and philosophical issues surrounding the process of secularization and the emergence of modern atheism between 1500 and 1700; 2) Understand the thought and works of the key authors examined (Pomponazzi, *Theophrastus redivivus*, Spinoza, Bayle, Meslier, Hume); 3) Be familiar with major historiographical interpretations regarding secularization and the critique of religion in the modern era; 4) Master philosophical concepts and historiographical categories, employing appropriate disciplinary terminology; 5) Construct rigorous, independent arguments using the philosophical concepts and methods of inquiry characteristic of the history of philosophy.