The course on Philosophical Anthropology is part of the program in Philosophy (BA level) and is included among the complementary training activities. The goal of the course is to provide an in-depth understanding of some essential themes and methods of Philosophical Anthropology. Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to discuss and develop arguments both in a philosophical and historical framework. By the end of the course, students are supposed to have acquired the following skills: (1) advanced critical thinking and ability to contextualize the themes discussed during the course; (2) advanced language and argumentation skills in relation to the topics discussed during the course; (3) capacity to read and analyse philosophical sources and the relevant critical debate.
teacher profile teaching materials
I. Kant (1798), Anthropology from a Pragmatic Point of View. Any edition.
M. Scheler (1928), The Position of Man in the Cosmos. Any edition.
M. Tomasello (2016), A Natural History of Human Morality. Harvard University Press.
F. Nietzsche (2014), On the Genealogy of Morals. Penguin.
Programme
The course will present and discuss some basic notions of philosophical anthropology, a discipline that focuses on the investigation of the central aspects of what it is to be human. The first part of the course aims at providing an overview of classic questions in philosophical anthropology. The second part will focus on the themes of personal identity and the relation with others in the contemporary debate.Core Documentation
The program includes the following texts:I. Kant (1798), Anthropology from a Pragmatic Point of View. Any edition.
M. Scheler (1928), The Position of Man in the Cosmos. Any edition.
M. Tomasello (2016), A Natural History of Human Morality. Harvard University Press.
F. Nietzsche (2014), On the Genealogy of Morals. Penguin.
Reference Bibliography
De Waal, F. (2019). Mama's Last Hug: Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us about Ourselves, W. W. Norton & CompanyAttendance
Attendance: Attendance to the course is strongly recommended, but not mandatory. Although active participation in the lectures is one of the primary tools for effective learning and gaining a deep understanding of the topics covered, students who may not be able to attend regularly will still have the opportunity to catch up on the content through the materials provided and by reading the texts listed in the syllabus. Attendance facilitates interactive discussion and direct engagement with the instructor and fellow students, which are important opportunities to enrich the learning experience. Students who are unable to attend regularly are encouraged to keep in touch with the instructor for any clarifications and support for independent studyType of evaluation
Oral exam, with the possibility of midterm assessments on dates agreed upon with the instructor. The exam can be taken in Italian or English, at the student's choice. Assessment Criteria: Understanding of texts and key concepts: The ability to analyze and discuss the main philosophical concepts covered in the course, demonstrating a solid understanding of the texts. Participation in discussions: Active involvement in classroom discussions, showing interest and the ability for critical reflection on the topics covered. Argumentation and coherence in responses: The ability to develop well-argued and coherent responses based on the readings, with a clear presentation of one's ideas. Ability to synthesize: Assessment of the ability to synthesize the main arguments of the course during the oral exam, demonstrating good understanding and critical analysis of the topics discussed.