73081 - History of Ancient Philosophy (2) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has acquired (1) the in-depth knowledge of a philosophical work of Greek and Roman antiquity and (2) three types of skills: (a) philological – he/she can analyze an ancient text autonomously using the advanced philological tools needed for the study of Greek and Roman philosophy; (b) dialectical – he/she is trained both in seminar team work and in discussing a philosophical problem in a synchronic and diachronic way, coping with the relevant critical literature; (c) rhetorical he/she is able to argue exegetical and philosophical theses both in oral form (through common discussions and individual presentations) and in written form (according different ways of writing).

Course contents

Utopia, philosophy and comedy

In the ancient world, constructing imaginary cities played a central role as a tool for reflection and for challenging the existing order. This was true for philosophers, but not only them, as is shown, for example, by the practice of comic theatre. The aim of the course is to explore the various meanings and uses of ancient utopia, starting from the comparison between philosophy and comedy, and more specifically between Plato and Aristophanes. Comedies such as The Assemblywomen and The Birds do not merely mock current customs and practices: equally interesting is their use as an anti-philosophical device, to ridicule the revolutionary claims of philosophy, a knowledge that risks undermining the values of the city.

And it is precisely by reacting to this mockery that Plato in the Republics can show what the true field of action of philosophy is, and what its concrete hopes are of overturning a system – that of the Greek cities (and Athens in particular) – which he considered entirely wrong. There is laughter and jesting, but the issues at stake are terribly serious.

Readings/Bibliography

Aristofane, Le donne all’assemblea, a cura di A. Capra, Carocci

Aristofane, Gli uccelli, dispense a cura di M. Bonazzi

Platone, Repubblica, a cura di M. Vegetti, Milano, BUR

Two texts of your choice (available on the virtual platform) from among the following:

L. Bertelli, L’utopia greca, in G. Cambiano, L. Canfora, D. Lanza (edd.), Lo spazio letterario della Grecia antica, vol. I.1, Salerno editore 1992, pp. 493-524.

C. Bobonich, The Utopian Character of Plato’s Ideal City, in J. Ferrari, The Cambridge Companion to Plato’s Republic, Cambridge University Press 2007, pp. 232-255

M. Finley, Utopie antiche e moderne, in Id., Uso e abuso della storia, Einaudi 1981, pp. 267-289

D. Konstan, The Greek Polis and its Negations: Versions of Utopia in Aristophanes’ Birds, in G. Dobrov (ed.), The City as Comedy, University of North Carolina Press, pp. 3-22.

J. Ober, Essence and Enactment: Aristophanes’ Ecclesiazusae, in J. Ober, Political Dissent in Democratic Athens, Princeton University Press 2002, pp. 122-155

M. Schofield, Utopia, in M. Schofield, Plato, Oxford University Press 2012, pp. 194-249

M. Vegetti, Beltista eiper dynata. Lo statuto dell’utopia nella Repubblica, in M. Vegetti, Il potere della verità. Saggi Platonici, Carocci 2018, pp. 137-170

Students who, for justified reasons, are unable to attend classes must contact the lecturer to arrange an alternative programme.

Teaching methods

Lectures; 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.

Teaching tools

Some texts of bibliography and eventual slides shown during the course will be available on Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Mauro Bonazzi