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Identical coursesRenaissance Philosophy (B-KUL-W0EP1A)
Aims
The general purpose of this course is to explore fundamental problems of the so-called 'Renaissance philosophy' (ca. 1300 - ca. 1650) by means of a treatment of some major issues and thinkers. Over the years, readings will include writings by Dante Alighieri, Coluccio Salutati, Leonardo Bruni, Nicholas of Cusa, Lorenzo Valla, Marsilio Ficino, Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, Angelo Poliziano, Pietro Pomponazzi, Niccolò Machiavelli, Desiderius Erasmus, Francesco Patrizi, Giordano Bruno, Tommaso Campanella, Justus Lipsius, Juan Luis Vives, and Thomas Hobbes.
Among the most debated issues of Renaissance Philosophy one should count: the problems of the soul (nature, immortality, functions of the souls); the concept of man; infinity and possible worlds; the renewal of ancient ontology; the rise of "probability".
By the course's end, students are expected to be capable of understanding, interpreting, and commenting on a Renaissance philosophical writing. Moreover, they will be able to orientate themselves in the technical terminology and to grasp the meaning, argumentative structure, and historical significance of the debated issues.
Previous knowledge
Students should have a general background in the history of philosophy (both ancient and medieval).
Good knowledge of English as well as a disposition to abstract thinking are of course implied.
The knowledge of Latin and Greek, although not required, might be useful for the students to take advantage in full from the teacher's analyses and from the common discussions in class.
Is included in these courses of study
Activities
4 ects. Renaissance Philosophy (B-KUL-W0EP1a)
Content
The course in the Spring semester of the academic year 2024-2025 concerns the relationship between philosophy, religion, and science. It focuses on the works of Galileo Galilei which have philosophical relevance and tries to present, through the lens of Galileo's intellectual project, an understanding of the waning of the Renaissance. Besides Galileo's writings, the course will deal with the works of Nicolaus Copernicus, Tommaso Campanella, Robert Bellarmine, and Paolo Beni da Gubbio:
"Galileo Galilei scientist and philosopher: investigations towards the understanding his historical significance within Renaissance Thought"
Course material
The selected bibliography and detailed course schedule shall be available the week before the start of the semester.
Language of instruction: more information
English
Format: more information
The plan of the lectures and more detail can be found in the Syllabus which will be available on Toledo before the beginning of the semester. Students are expected to prepare the required course material, as detailed in the Syllabus. Each meeting opens with an introductory talk to provide context and supplement the reading. The rest of the class consists of textual analysis of primary sources and seminar discussion. More detail will be provided at the beginning of the classes. Students should consult Toledo for further information.
Evaluation
Evaluation: Renaissance Philosophy (B-KUL-W2EP1a)
Explanation
Students will receive two questions for the oral examination the day before the examination itself. They will have to prepare the questions at home and present their answers during the exam. At the exam the professor may ask further specific questions to obtain better explanation, if need be, or to check aspects of the given answers. Students can take their course 'reader' (i.e., the primary source documents which had been analysed, referred to or commented in class) with them to the exam.