10219 - Theoretical Philosophy (1) (A-L)

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will have gained access to some major themes and figures in the history of philosophy, and the discussion of some perspectives emerging from contemporary thought will enable you to relate with the "perennial" character of philosophical work.

Course contents

Course title: «Ideas, Knowledge and Language in the Thought of John Locke»
The course will examine the outlines of the Locke's thought, especially with regard to the problem of knowledge, language and truth. The course aims also to reconstruct the character of lockean realism and issues related to the trheory of abstraction.

The course is scheduled in the second semester, 3th period, lecture room I, via Zamboni 38 (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9-11).

Readings/Bibliography

Exam text::

J. Locke, Saggio sull'intelletto umano, UTET, Torino, 1982 (or other edizions: Saggio sull'intelletto umano, Bompiani, Milano, 2007; Saggio sull'intelligenza umana, Laterza, Roma-Bari, 2006, 2 voll.; Saggio sull'intelletto umano, La Scuola, Brescia, 2005):

Epistola al lettore ; Introduzione; Libro I; Libro II: capp. I, II, III, VI, VII, VIII, IX, XI, XII, XXI, XXII, XXIII, XXV, XXVI, XXVII, XXIX, XXXII, XXXIII; Libro III; Libro IV: capp. I, II, III, IV, V, VIII, XIV, XV.

The exam text is the same also for non attending students.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons, textual commentary, discussions in class on specific issues.
The course is scheduled in the second semester, 3th period, lecture room I, via Zamboni 38 (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9-11).

Assessment methods

Students will be evaluated on the basis on a viva voce. The oral exam is supposed to ascertain the student's knowledge of the assigned texts and the ability to criticize and discuss the proposed topics.

Grade assessment criteria

Grade range below 18 – Fail. Poor knowledge of core material, a significant inability to engage with the discipline. Very poor presentation.

Grade range 18-21 – Pass. Limited and superficial knowledge of the subject, a significant inability to follow the thread of the discussion. Presentation with many inadequacies.

Grade range 21-23 – Adequate. The knowledge is superficial, but the thread of the discussion has been consistently grasped. Presentation with some inadequacies.

Grade range 24-26 – Acceptable. Elementary knowledge of the key principles and concepts. The presentation is occasionally weak.

Grade range 27-29 – Good. Comprehensive knowledge. Good presentation.

30 – Very Good. Detailed knowledge with hints of critical thinking. Very good presentation.

30 cum laude – Outstanding. Excellent knowledge and depth of understanding. Excellent presentation.

Teaching tools

Blackboard, Pc, Slides projector

Links to further information

http://www.disciplinefilosofiche.it

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Besoli