27280 - Seminars (1) (G.C)

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

Seminar title: Spinoza: etica e politica

The aim of the seminar is the study of multiple aspects of Spinoza's thought and Spinozism, i.e. a major author of modernity and his influence on Western philosophy. The tools for achieving this knowledge are the critical-analytical reading of his texts, the study of the theoretical roots and the historical-philosophical context in which Spinoza lived and worked, as well as the exploration of how his thought has been inherited, commented on and criticised or extended by the authors who followed him. The objectives pursued will include the acquisition of a vocabulary appropriate to the students' orientation towards the historical and philosophical issues in question, as well as knowledge of the secondary literature essential for contextualising these issues within the historiographical debate.

This Seminar can be validated choosing one of the two following options:

 

Option 1: following the activities of the European Union Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) coordinated by our Department. This programme is part of the the activities of the International Centre for Spinozist Studies "Sive Natura", and involves multiple European and non-European partners.

Its face-to-face activities will take place mainly between 15 May and 15 June 2024. As the seminar is in "blended" mode, some complementary activities will also be carried out online, before and after these dates.

The seminar can be attended by Bachelor students, Master students (if chosen within the free credits) and PhD students, as well as international students from the network.

The activities will be conducted mainly in English and French.

The programme will be made available on the Sive Natura website at the following address: https://site.unibo.it/sivenatura/it

NB: Always consult Sive Natura webpage only for any changes and updates to the programme.

 

Option 2: Following the activities scheduled durint the normal hours and in period IV.

These activities will consist in a critical and deep reading of some passages of Spinoza's works.

The aim is to learn how to build a critical commentary, on and around the main text as well as the most relevant secondary sources, which will be suggested in class.

The active participation of students is required. Individually or in small groups, they will be invited to present their readings of some parts of the texts. NB: these presentations are required to validate the Seminar and count towards the final note. The assessment will take the form of an oral exam.

Readings/Bibliography

For all students:

B. Spinoza, Ethics, Theologico-Political Treatise and Political Treatise, in any complete edition including the latin text.

For students choosing the option 1 (attendance required), a recommended bibliography will be suggested.

Students who choose the option 2 should also read:

F. Del Lucchese, Tumulti e indignatio. Conflitto, diritto e moltitudine in Machiavelli e Spinoza. Mimesis, Milano 2023².

Teaching methods

Seminar meetings with or without power-point projection, conferences and round tables (for option 1).

Assessment methods

For option 1:

Due to the specific nature of the Blended Intensive Programme, attendance of the activities is compulsory in order to validate dthe Seminar, for a minimum of 30 hours in total, of which at least 24 hours must be attended face-to-face. Learners will be able to select the total 30 hours themselves from the different modules (mini-courses, lectures and round tables) offered in the programme.

For option 2:

Students are required to attend in-person classes and be present for at least 11 meetings out of the 15 scheduled meetings.

The attendance requirement is waived for:

• Students who are currently abroad on the Erasmus+ program
• Working students, with a declaration of their employer, that their working schedule makes the attendance impossible
• Students who have certification of disability
• Students who have certification of illness
  

People with disabilities and DSA

Persons with disabilities or specific learning disorders are entitled to special adaptations in relation to their condition, subject to assessment by the University Service for Students with Disabilities and DSA. Please do not contact the teacher, but contact the Service for an appointment. The Service will determine what adjustments are appropriate. Further information can be found at site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabililita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti.

Teaching tools

PC-connected projector and text visualiser.

Links to further information

https://site.unibo.it/sivenatura/it

Office hours

See the website of Filippo Del Lucchese