C8884 - Greek and Roman Thought (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of Greek and Roman philosophical thought. Students will learn to recognize the complexity and plurality of intellectual traditions of this period, as well as the continuity and diversity in relation to Medieval thought. The educational approach values theses and ideas, while also exploring the places of culture, sources, and methods of preserving and transmitting knowledge. Through the study of the proposed topics, students will develop specific skills in the philological and argumentative analysis of texts and critical evaluation of secondary literature, acquiring the tools to assess both their historical pertinence and theoretical relevance.

Course contents

After a general introduction to ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, the course will focus on one of the central themes of Plato’s thought: his doctrine of the soul and the self. Through a close reading of key Platonic dialogues, students will examine several fundamental issues, most notably the apparent opposition between two models of the soul: a simple model, in which the rational soul is contrasted with the body, and a composite model, represented by the tripartite soul.

The course will argue that, despite their apparent differences, it is far from obvious that these two models are genuinely incompatible. Careful textual analysis will show how they may instead illuminate different aspects of Plato’s psychology and philosophical project. This conclusion has significant implications not only for Plato’s account of the soul’s immortality but also, and even more importantly, for his conception of the self. Ultimately, the course will address one of the most fundamental questions in Platonic philosophy: who are we, properly speaking, according to Plato?

Readings/Bibliography

Texts

Plato’s Republic – suggested translation The Republic of Plato, tranlsated and with Interpretive Essay by A. Bloom, Basic Books 1968

Anthology of Plato’s texts (in Alma virtuale)

Studies

J. Annas, Introduction to Plato’s Republic, OUP 1981, pp. 109-152

The Psychology of Contemplation, in R. Güremen, M. Bonazzi, E. Cattanei (eds.), Theôria as Cognition

in Plato, Leiden, Brill 2026, pp. 7-24.

C. Kahn, Plato’s Theory of Desire, «The Review of Metaphysics» 41 (1987), pp. 77-103

J. Ferrari, The Three-Parts Soul, in J. Ferrari (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Plato’s Republic, CUP 2007, pp. 165-200

Teaching methods

Lectures, with a close reading of Plato’s texts; participation and discussion will be encouraged

Assessment methods

Oral examination. The oral examination consists of an interview aimed at assessing the skills, critical abilities, and methodological competences acquired by the students based on the texts included in the syllabus.

During the academic year 2025/2026, there will be 9 exam sessions available for all students in the following months: April, May, June, September, October, November, December, January, and March.

Top marks (28-30) will be given to students who demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the material discussed in class and contained in the texts, critical and analytical skills, and the ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and cogently. Those students who will demonstrate a good knowledge of the material but tend to repeat it mechanically rather than demonstrate full understanding and the ability to build connections and present an argument will be rewarded with average to high marks (23-27). Students who demonstrate superficial knowledge, gaps in preparation, poor critical and analytical skills and difficulties of expression will receive average to low marks (18-22). Severe lacunae in one or more areas listed above could lead to the student repeating the exam.

Students with disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders have the right to special adjustments according to their condition, following an assessment by the Service for Students with Disabilities and SLD. Please do not contact the instructor but get in touch with the Service directly to schedule an appointment. It will be the responsibility of the Service to determine the appropriate adjustments. For more information, visit the page: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students .

It is recommended that students contact the University office in advance. Any proposed adjustments must be submitted at least 15 days in advance for the instructor’s approval, who will evaluate their appropriateness in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Mauro Bonazzi