Philosophy

Outlines of Philosophy of Biology. The course aims to provide the fundamental conceptual and historical tools for undertaking the study of the philosophy of biology. First, the contours of the discipline will be outlined, placing it within the more general context of the philosophy of science. Its historical development will also be briefly traced, for which some knowledge of the history of science and the history of philosophy will be essential. The main debates that have characterized it and continue to do so will then be analyzed. Finally, particular attention will be paid to analyzing the salient features of Darwin’s work, especially "The Origin of Species", and its main philosophical implications.

General knowledge of the history of philosophy.

1. Darwin, C. (2008), L’origine delle specie, trad. it. di L. Fratini, Torino: Bollati Boringhieri (Introd. di G. Montalenti, Compendio storico, Introd., capp. 1, 2, 3, 4, 15). 2. Dennett, D.C. (1997), L’idea pericolosa di Darwin: L’evoluzione e i significati della vita, trad. it. di S. Frediani, Torino: Bollati Boringhieri (cap. 3). 3. Gagliasso, E. (2001), Verso un’epistemologia del mondo vivente, Milano: Guerini. 4. Pievani, T. (2005), Introduzione alla filosofia della biologia, Roma-Bari: Laterza. 5. Pievani, T. (2013), Anatomia di una rivoluzione: La logica della scoperta scientifica di Darwin, Milano-Udine: Mimesis. 6. Pievani, T. (2025), Introduzione a Darwin, Roma-Bari: Laterza.

Attending the course is highly recommended.

The evaluation consists of an oral examination. The following will be assessed: 1. knowledge and understanding of the texts covered by the course, from their most general aspects to their details; in particular, the students' ability to confront a philosophical text and to critically analyse specific aspects of it will be assessed (evaluation points 1-15). 2. The students' ability to express themselves and to master the vocabulary (evaluation points 1-10). 3. The students' ability to analyze and discuss arguments (evaluation points 1-5).

Reading guides and introductions to the thought and specific works of the authors covered by the course.

Lectures with reconstruction of the context and reading, analysis and commentary of the texts. Active student participation is highly encouraged and will be stimulated throughout the lessons.