BERGAMO
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The general programme of the Philosophy degree aims to provide a solid foundation in the Western philosophical tradition, while engaging in dialogue with other cultures. It also seeks to cultivate an independent ability to construct, evaluate, and discuss philosophical arguments, as well as to deepen students’ understanding of the logical and linguistic tools used in key areas of philosophical inquiry. In line with these objectives, the course focuses on one of the most fascinating figures in ancient philosophy: Socrates. In the second part of the course, we will examine one of the most famous Platonic dialogues featuring Socrates—the Meno.
By the end of the course, students will have developed an understanding of the content and methods of Socratic–Platonic philosophy. This understanding will go beyond a merely doxographic or theoretical account, involving close readings of selected passages from the Meno. In particular, students will gain insight into the philosophical methods and ideas that have played a crucial role in the development of the entire philosophical tradition. They will also become familiar with one of the foundational forms of both ancient and modern philosophy: the dialogue.
Course Prerequisites
none
Teaching Methods
The course involves lectures, seminar presentations, and discussions. In order to verify students’ understanding, there will be one optional test at the end of the course. There will be a workshop, outside the course, which will consider the various philosophical theories that have occurred in ancient times, from Presocratics to the philosophy of Hellenistic period.
Assessment Methods
The exam consists in a twenty-thirty minutes interview: the student will answer questions of history of ancient philosophy in general, and then read, situate in context and comment excerpts from the works analyzed during the course. Students will be able to: a) understand and analyze the texts; b) use a technical language; c) synthesize and contextualize the texts.
Contents
The figure of Socrates—beloved and remarkably relevant even today—was not described in a consistent way by his contemporaries. The sources available to us for reconstructing his character present us with three different versions of Socrates: a sophist who corrupts the youth (Aristophanes), the founder of aporetic and speculative philosophy that still shapes and influences us today (Plato, who, as we know, makes Socrates the protagonist of nearly all his dialogues), and a kind of consistent moral preacher (Xenophon). Through the reading of three texts—Aristophanes’ Clouds, Xenophon’s Memorabilia, and Plato’s Apology of Socrates—we will attempt to reconstruct the image of a thinker with a strong social and political impact, who remains extremely compelling even in our time.
In the second part of the course, we will delve deeper into the Platonic Socrates. By reading selected passages from the Meno, we will explore the influence of Socratic thought on Plato’s philosophical path, with particular attention to the method of refutation and the ethical-philosophical concerns that defined his philosophy.
This close reading will allow us to study and deepen our understanding of the Socratic critical method, in which the false opinions of interlocutors—particularly concerning the fundamental question “What is virtue?”—are systematically dismantled.
Online Resources
More information
Students who do not follow lessons, are on Erasmus exchange or have certified learning disabilities (PDP/PEI) are advised to contact the teacher for indications about exam preparation.