99008 - Philosophical Skepticism (1) (LM)

Academic Year 2024/2025

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Religions Histories Cultures (cod. 5890)

Learning outcomes

Students have an advanced understanding of the relevance of a multidisciplinary approach to the analysis of philosophical skepticism. They are able to analyze religious phenomena seen through the lens of multiple tools from several disciplines. They apply research methods to address issues relating to philosophical skepticism. They are able to give form to the results of their own research, documenting in an accurate and complete way the information on which they base their conclusions and giving an account of the methodologies and research tools used.

Course contents

The course will focus on the conception of the sacred in Ludwig Wittgenstein's thought.


Texts ranging from the earlier to the later Wittgenstein will be examined, tracing their historical and theoretical development.

Readings/Bibliography

- Wittgenstein, Ludwig. Diari segreti. Meltemi, 2021, Milano.

- Wittgenstein, Ludwig. Tractatus logico-philosophicus e Quaderni 1914-1916, tr. it. a cura di A. Conte, Einaudi, Torino, 1964.

- Wittgenstein, Ludwig. Lezioni e conversazioni. tr. it. a cura di M. Ranchetti, Adelphi, Milano, 1965.

- Wittgenstein, Ludwig. Pensieri diversi. Milano: Adelphi 1980. (solo parti)

- Wittgenstein, Ludwig. Movimenti del pensiero. Diari 1930-1932 / 1936-1937. Quodiblet. 1999, Macerata .(solo parti)

- Wittgenstein, Ludwig. Della certezza. Einaudi, Torino, 1999.

Teaching methods

In-person lectures.

Assessment methods

For students attending at least 75% of the classes: an essay of 5,000 words on a topic agreed with the Professor.

For students attending less than 75% of classes: besides the essay like for other students, 5 open questionsto reply to in writing.

Office hours

See the website of Annalisa Coliva