10053 - Philosophy of History (2)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students are able to know to know the main philosophical and political-cultural debates and critically discuss different conceptions that are compared in this area. Year also acquired the ability to orient themselves on the many ethical and political problems that such debates are closely linked.

Course contents

God beyond good and evil. Leibniz contro Spinoza (II)

In continuity with the Philosophy of History (I) course, the Philosophy of History (II) course will explore the comparison between Leibniz and Spinoza on the question of Good and Evil in relation to their conception of God.

Although conceived independently, the Philosophy of History II (fourth period) and Philosophy of History I (third period) courses constitute a single path. It is therefore advisable to follow both. However, the student can freely choose to follow only one of the two courses and take the exam on the program relating to the one chosen.

Readings/Bibliography

Introductive part (mandatory)

A. Da Re, Filosofia morale. Storia, teorie, argomenti, Bruno Mondadori, Milano, 2003 (fino al capitolo 8.2); oppure Da Re, Filosofia morale. Storia, teorie, argomenti, Pearson, Milano, 2023 (up to chapter 9.2, excluding chapter 5).

Reference texts (mandatory):

Cartesio, Meditazioni metafisiche, introduzione e traduzione di Sergio Landucci, Laterza, Bari, 2023 (limited to the first two Meditations).

G. W. Leibniz, La monadologia, a cura di Salvatore Cariati, Bompiani, Milano, 2001.

B. Spinoza, Etica, trad. a cura di P. Cristofolini, ETS, Pisa, 2014 (the first part: De Deo).

 

Critical literature (required, one of the two):

M. Stewart, The Courtier and the Heretic. Leibniz, Spinoza and the Fate of God in the Modern World, Yale University Press, 2006.

L. Vinciguerra, Spinoza, Carocci, Roma, 2016.

 

For non-attending students, a text of your choice (mandatory):

M. Mugnai, Introduzione alla filosofia di Leibniz, Einaudi, Torino, 2001.

M. Stewart,The Courtier and the Heretic. Leibniz, Spinoza and the Fate of God in the Modern World, Yale University Press, 2006.

G. Tomasi, La bellezza e la fabbrica del mondo. Estetica e metafisica in G. W. Leibniz, Pisa, ETS, 2002.

M. Laerke, Leibniz lecteur de Spinoza. La genèse d'une opposition complexe, H. Champion, Paris, 2008.

S. Nadler, The Best of All Possible Worlds: A Story of Philosophers, God, and Evil in the Age of Reason, Princeton University Press, 2010.

E. Pasini (éd.), La monadologie de Leibniz. Genèse et contexte, Mimesis, Milano-Paris, 2005.

R. Andrault, M. Laerke, P.-F. Moreau (éds.), Spinoza/Leibniz. Rencontres, controverses, réceptions, Sorbonne Université Presses, Paris, 2014.

M. R. Antognazza, Leibniz. Una biografia intellettuale, Milano, Hoepli, 2015

Teaching methods

The lessons include both the direct and commented reading of texts and the synthetic reconstruction of problems and paths. Particular attention will be paid to interactions with students (discussions, short reports, etc.).

During the lessons, interventions by colleagues are expected on topics and subjects complementary to the course.

Assessment methods

Oral examination

For attending students only, also starting from a text or an outline prepared by the student in agreement with the teacher.

During the interview the student will have to demonstrate excellent knowledge of the preparatory and monographic parts of the course, and with the aid of secondary literature, good ability to set up historical reconstructions, relationships and comparisons between the authors and the topics addressed in a precise language and appropriate: only this second skill allows you to acquire excellent results.

Teaching tools

See Italian version

Office hours

See the website of Lorenzo Vinciguerra