27387 - Methods of Scientific Knowledge

Learning outcomes

Students are guided to focus on and analyze topics and issues emerging from a methodological reflection on logic-mathematical knowledge and scientific investigation.

Course contents

Module 1

 The first module will introduce Wittgenstein's complex biography and, most imprtantly, will try to place him in his historical and philosophical context, with particular attention to the history of analytic philosophy. We will then focus on the activity of the so-called "first Wittgenstein", and on the text of the Tractatus logico-philosophicus, a peculiar work in terms of both form and content, which combines attention to logic and language with elements that have been defined as mysticism.

Module 2.

Elements of Wittgenstein's biography and of topics of the first module will be recapitulated at the beginning of the lessons. We will then focus on the "second Wittgenstein" and in particular on the text of the Philosophical Investigations. Elements of radical novelty in Wittgenstein's thought will be highlighted in this work and others of the same period, in particular with regard to the nature of language and of the mind, but without neglecting epistemological elements.

Readings/Bibliography

Module 1

Ludwig Wittgenstein Tractatus logico-philosophicus (any translation)

Anthony Kenny, Wittgenstein, Wiley-Blackwell, Revised edition 2005

Further recommended readings

Diego Marconi (ed.), Guida a Wittgenstein, Laterza 2002

Pasquale Frascolla, Understanding Wittgenstein's Tractatus, Routledge 2006

Module 2.

Ludwig Wittgenstein, Philosophical Investigations (any translation)

Anthony Kenny, Wittgenstein, Wiley-Blackweel, Revised edition 2005

Further recommended readings

Ludwig Wittgenstein, On Certainty

Diego Marconi (ed.), Guida a Wittgenstein, Laterza 2002

Assessment methods

Written and oral examination.

Marks:

30 cum laude - excellent as to knowledge, philosophical lexicon and critical expression.

30 – Excellent: knowledge is complete, well argued and correctly expressed, with some slight faults.

27-29 – Good: thorough and satisfactory knowledge; essentially correct expression.

24-26 - Fairly good: knowledge broadly acquired, and not always correctly expressed.

21-23 – Sufficient: superficial and partial knowledge; exposure and articulation are incomplete and often not sufficiently appropriate

18-21 - Almost insufficient: superficial and decontextualized knowledge. The exposure of the contents shows important gaps.

Exam failed - Basic skills and knowledge are not sufficiently acquired. Students are requested to show up at a subsequent exam session.

Teaching tools

Power point slides will be used during lectures.

Further materials (papers, slides) will be uploaded in the course website.

Office hours

See the website of Daniele Sgaravatti