29702 - Theories of Space and Time in Modern Philosophy (1) (2nd cycle)

Learning outcomes

The student learns to assimilate the complex notions of time and space, through the study and the analysis of philosophical texts of the modern age. In particular, the study of the cultures concerning travel and strangeness and the ontological and gnoseological problems connected with the debate on the existence of the outer world and the perception of distance, will constitute the fundamental part of the course.

Course contents

Subject, rappresentation and political thought in Hobbes e Descartes

The course deals with the object of the representation of space and the construction of the order of seventeenth century European thought. In particular, a confrontation between two different ideas of science, referring to Hobbes and Descartes, will highlight how, starting from different models, the authors end up defining alternative notions of order and spatial representation.
The study of the passions, the reflection on the forms of political legitimation and the concept of geometrical truth will be the three main problematic concepts against which the three authors will be confronted.

Readings/Bibliography

1. Compulsory Readings

R. Descartes, Discorso sul metodo, Laterza, Roma Bari (qualsiasi ristampa)
T. Hobbes, Il Leviatano, (solo prime due parti), Laterza, Roma Bari (qualsiasi ristampa)

2. Students must choose one book from the following list:

H. Blumenberg, Naufragio con spettatore : paradigma di una metafora dell'esistenza, Bologna, Il mulino, 1985 (o edizioni successive)

Michel Foucault, Le parole e le cose : un'archeologia delle scienze, Milano, BUR, 1996

Martin Heidegger, Holzwege : sentieri erranti nella selva, a cura di Vincenzo Cicero
Milano : Bompiani Il pensiero occidentale, 2002

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons

Assessment methods

The oral exam will assess the students' acquired knowledge regarding the lessons' contents and the books indicated in the bibliography. An acceptable evaluation corresponds to a good ability to discuss the themes, problems and key-concepts analysed during the course. Particular appreciation will be given to those students who are able to use an appropriate lexicon concerning the subject and to contextualize themes, problems, authors and works, culturally and historically.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Cerrato