The course of History of Modern Philosophy is part of the complementary training activities of the program in Philosophical sciences (MA level). Through the reading of the classics of modern philosophy, the course aims to provide students with a knowledge not only of the thought of the authors treated, but also, more generally, of the epistemological and methodological foundations of historical-philosophical research. In particular, through the comparison between the works of the same author or different authors, the course aims to make accessible to the student the evolution of this or that thinker, or the dense network of convergences and divergences, of debts or distance taken of which is interwoven between several authors. By indicating from time to time the difficulties presented by the texts and the most representative interpretative solutions that have been given, it aims to stimulate the critical reflection and autonomy of judgment of the student. Finally, the recommended texts are aimed at fostering the ability to deal with scientific literature and the development of the skills necessary for the autonomy of research. At the end of the course, the students will have acquired knowledge of a central episode in the history of modern philosophy and the debates it has given rise to. They will also be able to apply the knowledge acquired in a philosophical discussion and in the theoretical and historical-philosophical argumentation. They will also have strengthened their ability to critically analyze and contextualize sources, as well as their property of language and argumentative ability in relation to the topics covered in the course
teacher profile teaching materials
The course will focus on Bernard de Mandeville's Fable of the Bees. In particular, it will highlight the features that made it a favourite target of the arrows of philosophers such as Berkeley, Hutcheson, Hume, Rousseau and Smith, who were also often influenced by it: hedonism in general and the rehabilitation of "lust", the anti-Christian polemic, the deconstruction of traditional morals.
Programme
The course will focus on Bernard de Mandeville's Fable of the Bees. In particular, it will highlight the features that made it a favourite target of the arrows of philosophers such as Berkeley, Hutcheson, Hume, Rousseau and Smith, who were also often influenced by it: hedonism in general and the rehabilitation of "lust", the anti-Christian polemic, the deconstruction of traditional morals.
Core Documentation
Bernard de Mandeville, Fable of the Bees, Oxford, ed. by F.B. KayeReference Bibliography
Mauro Simonazzi, Favole della filosofia. Saggio su Mandeville, Franco Angeli A. Branchi, Introduzione a Mandeville, Laterza, 2004. M.E. Scribano, "Società umana, società competitiva. saggio su Mandeville", Feltrinelli, 1980.Type of delivery of the course
The course involves face-to-face, in-class lectures. In the event of an extension of the COVID-19 health emergency, all the provisions regulating the methods of carrying out teaching activities and student assessment will be implemented.Type of evaluation
The exam will be oral. The student will be asked to prepare a 15-minute speech about an aspect of the program of his/her choice. From here, the teacher will continue to verify a more general knowledge of the texts in the program and the achievement of the educational objectives.