Ateneo - UPO

18th-Century Clandestine Philosophical Literature (Readings). This course examines the emergence, dissemination, and impact of clandestine philosophical literature during the eighteenth century through the reading and critical analysis of key texts. The works will be analyzed in relation to preceding and contemporary philosophical and libertine traditions, highlighting the revolutionary significance—both theoretical-conceptual and politico-religious—of clandestine thought regarding debates on freedom of thought, tolerance, and the critique of revealed religions.

Primary texts of 18th-century clandestine literature and the relevant critical literature will be provided by the instructor on the DIR platform. Further bibliographic information and recommended editions will be provided at the start of the course.

1) Knowledge: At a basic level, a general understanding of the main texts and themes of 18th-century clandestine philosophical literature, as well as the arguments developed by anonymous or heterodox authors, is required. At an advanced level, in-depth knowledge of the texts is expected, including the ability to reference the historical-cultural context of the "crisis of the European mind" and the early Enlightenment. 2) Mastery of specialized terminology: At a basic level, students must know and master the specific vocabulary of philosophical historiography and libertinism, and be able to explain philosophical-political and theological-critical concepts clearly, simply, and comprehensively. At an advanced level, a broad command of specialized terminology is required, to be used in an informed and critical manner. 3) Ability to compare, identify, and establish connections between the arguments found in clandestine texts and other modern authors: At a basic level, students must be able to compare passages from the analyzed texts and identify general correlations between concepts. At a more advanced level, critical comparison of texts and concepts is required, highlighting aporias and the most problematic theoretical turning points. 4) Presentation and application skills: At a basic level, the ability to communicate 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 tools and conceptual frameworks derived from the analysis of clandestine thought to examine contemporary debates on freedom of thought and tolerance. 5) Argumentation skills: At a basic level, the ability to develop a clear, simple, and straightforward philosophical argument is required. At an advanced level, students must be able to draw upon the knowledge they have acquired to develop an independent and critical interpretation of the texts and authors.

Basic language skills in English and/or French. A basic knowledge of the main outlines of the history of modern philosophy is desirable.

The course is conducted as a seminar featuring practical exercises, guided debates, and in-class textual analysis. The instructor will introduce the historical and cultural context of 18th-century clandestine literature and guide the critical analysis and direct reading of the texts. Students will participate in seminar exercises, discussions, and text presentations. Teaching materials and supplementary sources will be made available on the course's DIR webpage.

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 practical arrangements for the exam and other teaching-related matters.

The course consists of a seminar with in-class exercises and a final oral examination. 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 fundamental arguments and texts of 18th-century clandestine literature, whereas the advanced level demands an in-depth mastery of the texts, enriched by precise references to the historical-cultural context of the era and to historiographical debates. In terms of command of disciplinary terminology, the basic threshold entails the correct use of philosophical terms with clear, comprehensive explanations of 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 passages of the works by identifying general links between categories; conversely, the advanced level requires a complex comparative analysis capable of revealing aporias and the most problematic theoretical junctures. The criterion concerning communication and contemporary application measures—at the basic level—the effectiveness of the presentation, whereas the advanced level evaluates the ability to independently apply conceptual frameworks to interpret contemporary issues related to freedom of thought. Finally, regarding argumentative skills and the ability to synthesize and re-elaborate material, the basic level assesses the construction of a linear, clear, and coherent philosophical argument, while the advanced level rewards the independent mobilization of knowledge and personal contribution during seminar exercises to develop an original, critical interpretation of the texts.

The course aims to critically analyze 18th-century clandestine philosophical literature through the reading of representative texts and the study of their manuscript and printed circulation in early modern Europe. Key currents and themes of clandestine philosophy—such as the critique of religion, deism, atheism, materialism, tolerance, and freedom of conscience—will be examined within the context of intellectual history. Furthermore, the course will consider major interpretative approaches from 20th-century and contemporary historiography, equipping students with the conceptual and methodological tools needed to correctly interpret clandestine philosophical manuscripts.

634
1) Understand the key theoretical, politico-philosophical, and religious issues surrounding eighteenth-century clandestine literature; 2) Recognize the significance of historiography regarding libertinism and philosophical clandestinity; 3) Be familiar with major contemporary historiographical interpretations of the debate on freedom of thought in the early modern period; 4) Master philosophical concepts, historiographical categories, and text analysis methodologies, employing appropriate disciplinary terminology; 5) Construct independent and rigorous arguments using the concepts and tools characteristic of modern philosophical thought.