The course of Philosophy of History is part of the program in Philosophy (BA level) and is included among the characterising training activities. The objective of the course is to provide knowledge of the basic issues of the philosophy of history (philosophical debates, historical and intellectual background). At the end of this course, the student will have obtained:
- Knowledge of the main theoretical questions of philosophy of history and of the related ethical-political questions ;
- Knowledge of some reference texts of philosophy of history and the relative debates;
- Knowledge and understanding of the interdisciplinary issues connected to the relation between philosophy and history.
Among the abilities to apply knowledge and understanding, the student will have obtained the ability to focus on theoretical issues and develop arguments regarding the problems of philosophy of history and the related philosophical-political and ethical problems.
- Knowledge of the main theoretical questions of philosophy of history and of the related ethical-political questions ;
- Knowledge of some reference texts of philosophy of history and the relative debates;
- Knowledge and understanding of the interdisciplinary issues connected to the relation between philosophy and history.
Among the abilities to apply knowledge and understanding, the student will have obtained the ability to focus on theoretical issues and develop arguments regarding the problems of philosophy of history and the related philosophical-political and ethical problems.
teacher profile teaching materials
The course aims to study Walter Benjamin's philosophy of history through the reading and commentary of the theses "On the concept of history" and related writings (also by other authors). Benjamin's thought will be compared with Furio Jesi's reflection on myth, time, history, revolution and revolt, through the reading of the essay "Spartakus: The Symbology of Revolt. By Furio Jesi. (London, England: Seagull Books, 2014.) and other related Jesi texts.
W. Benjamin, "On the concept of history", in "Selected Writings, 4 vols., ed. Howard Eiland & Michael W. Jennings, Cambridge, MA., & London: Harvard University Press, 1991–1999, vol IV.
F. Jesi, "Spartakus. The Symbology of Revolt", transl. by Alberto Toscano, Seagull Books London Ltd, 2024
Programme
The philosophy of history by Walter Benjamin and Furio Jesi.The course aims to study Walter Benjamin's philosophy of history through the reading and commentary of the theses "On the concept of history" and related writings (also by other authors). Benjamin's thought will be compared with Furio Jesi's reflection on myth, time, history, revolution and revolt, through the reading of the essay "Spartakus: The Symbology of Revolt. By Furio Jesi. (London, England: Seagull Books, 2014.) and other related Jesi texts.
Core Documentation
A. Benjamin (ed.), 2005b, Walter Benjamin and History, London & New York: ContinuumW. Benjamin, "On the concept of history", in "Selected Writings, 4 vols., ed. Howard Eiland & Michael W. Jennings, Cambridge, MA., & London: Harvard University Press, 1991–1999, vol IV.
F. Jesi, "Spartakus. The Symbology of Revolt", transl. by Alberto Toscano, Seagull Books London Ltd, 2024
Reference Bibliography
H. Eiland,W. Jenning, Walter Benjamin, a Critical Life", The Belknap Press, 2016Attendance
No compulsory attendance.Type of evaluation
The exam will be oral and based on an initial free-choice question and then on questions posed by the teacher to verify the reading and critical analysis of the texts in the program.