- Docente: Daniele Sgaravatti
- Credits: 6
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Philosophical Sciences (cod. 8773)
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from Feb 09, 2026 to Mar 16, 2026
Learning outcomes
The philosophy Seminars propose general objectives, which are those specific teaching seminar: (1) to train the students to philosophical discussion urging participation in conferences and presentations of Italian and foreign scholars; (2) deepen the topics of the courses through participation in philosophical lectures by specialists also of other universities; (3) broaden their thematic and methodological horizons to complete offered teaching.
Course contents
This seminar aims to present the thought of one of the leading American philosophers of the twentieth century, Quine, focusing on the two areas of epistemology and ontology, highlighting the connections between these two fields of research in the philosopher's conception. It will seek to outline the context in which Quine's thought emerges, particularly in relation to the philosophy of Carnap and the neo-positivist movement, of which Quine is both a principal heir and a critic. The first part of the seminar will focus on Quine's famous critique of the analytic-synthetic distinction, and the second on Quine's conception of ontology.
Readings/Bibliography
We will read essays or chapters from
W. V. O. Quine, From a Logical Point of View, Harvard University Press 1980 (2nd ed.)
W. V. O. Quine, Word and Object, MIT Press 1960
W. V. O. Quine, The Ways of Paradox and other essays, Harvard University Press 1976 (2nd ed.)
Teaching methods
The course consists of presentations made by the teacher on the topics covered in the seminar and group discussions. Students will also be provided with articles and passages of works to present and discuss (individually or in groups).
Assessment methods
The requirement for attendance is to participate in at least 2/3 of the lectures (10 out of 15). In order to obtain the credit points each student will have to give at least one in-class presentation on one of the readings planned for the course (details will be given in due course).
Teaching tools
Slides, handouts and follow-up materials may be used during the lessons. The material used will be made available to students through the platform virtuale.unibo.it [https://virtuale.unibo.it/
Office hours
See the website of Daniele Sgaravatti