28001 - Theoretic Philosophy (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, students have an advanced understanding of the relevance of a multidisciplinary approach to the analysis of Theoretical Philosophy; they are able to analyze religious phenomena seen through the lens of multiple tools from several disciplines. They apply iresearch methods to address the analysis of issues relating to Theoretical Philosophy. They are able to give form to the results of their own research on Theoretical Philosophy, documenting in an accurate and complete way the information on which they base their conclusions and giving an account of the methodologies and research tools used.

Course contents

This course focuses on the rational justification of religious belief and normative attitudes of faith and hope in the theory of rational action, starting from a reflection on the impact of Kantian theory on contemporary debates. The course is divided into three parts. The first part (lectures 1-6) offers an Introduction to the theory of action and practical rationality, with particular attention to the issue of diachronic stability, coherence and integrity, and the varieties of practical reasoning. The second part (lectures 7-13) offers a critical guide to the Kantian theory of the rational justification of religious belief, radical evil, and hope as a postulate of practical reason. The third part (lectures 13-18) examines some arguments on the role and value of hope in current debates of individual and collective action theory.

Readings/Bibliography

Kant, I. La religione entro i limiti della semplice ragione, ed. Bompiani 2001.

Kant, I. Per la pace perpetua, a cura di N. Merker, Editori Riuniti, 2020.

Martin, A. 2014. How We Hope: A Moral Psychology. Princeton University Press.

Jackson, Elizabeth 2021. Belief, Faith, and Hope: On the Rationality of Long-Term Commitment. Mind 130 (517):35–57

Pettit, P. 2004. Hope and Its Place in Mind, American Academy of Political and Social Science, 592/1: 152-165

Further readings for those who do not attend classes

Michalson, Gordon ed. 2014. Kant’s Religion Within the Boundaries of Mere Reason: A Critical Guide. Cambridge University Press, capp. 2 (A. Wood), 5 (A. Chignell), 10 (G.F. Munzel), 11 (P. Muchnik)

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral examination aimed at evaluating the critical and methodological skills, and a paper of 3,000 words on a topic of the course agreed with the professor.

Attending students will be able to present a draft of their paper during the last lectures of the course.

The evaluation will take into account, in particular, the analytical, critical and argumentative skills acquired in the light of the methodological indications provided during the course.

We will evaluate: The students’ capacity to master the contents of the course- Their ability to synthesize and analyze themes and concepts- Their ability to express adequately themselves and with a philosophical language appropriate to the subject- Their autonomy of judgment.

The achievement of an organic vision of the topics of the course, as well as their critical use, a good mastery of philosophical vocabulary will be evaluated with marks of excellence.A mnemonic knowledge of the subject, together with synthesis and analysis skills articulated in correct, but not always appropriate vocabulary, will lead to good evaluation.

Teaching tools

Powerpoints presentations and further bibliographical readings will be provided during classes.

Office hours

See the website of Carla Bagnoli