Philosophy

The Phenomenological-Religious Relevance of Being and Time Despite (or perhaps precisely because of) the absence of an explicit thematization of the religious topic, Martin Heidegger’s masterwork, Being and Time, has become an essential point of reference for a significant part of contemporary philosophy of religion, particularly that inspired by phenomenology. This is no coincidence. Through a detailed analysis and historical-theoretical framing of the first part of the work (§§1–44), the course aims to account for this circumstance. The objective is to show how not only certain specific themes (from being-with to anxiety, from falling to care), but also the general intent (a rearticulation of the question of being) as well as the method employed (phenomenology) entail an engagement with the principal issues that gave rise to the philosophy of religion and continue to challenge it.

A basic knowledge of philosophical disciplines (corresponding to the level of the upper secondary school) is required. In particular, it is needed a mastery of the basic philosophical terminology.

M. Heidegger, Essere e tempo, nuova edizione italiana a cura di Franco Volpi sulla versione di Pietro Chiodi, Longanesi, Milano 2005 (e ristampe).

Attending the course is highly recommended

The exam consists of a written test and an oral interview. The test, which will last two hours and consist of four open-ended questions, will cover the Introduction and the first two chapters of Being and Time. It will be possible to take the test on three different dates, which will be announced after the course begins (one at the end of the semester, one before the autumn exam session, and one before the winter session). The test is mandatory in order to take the oral exam: all students intending to take the exam during the academic year are strongly advised to arrange their schedule so that they can attend one of the three available dates, regardless of the specific exam session they intend to register for. The test will contribute approximately 20% to the final exam grade, but even a failing grade in the test does not preclude access to the oral exam. To pass the exams, students must demonstrate: 1. knowledge of the content of the assigned text; 2 the ability to present it clearly, using the author’s specialized terminology correctly; 3. the ability to identify and critically discuss the most significant theoretical issues; 4. the capacity to independently develop an argument related to the topics covered. Fulfilling points 1 and 2 is a necessary condition for passing the exam. Grades above 27 (out of 30) will be awarded to students whose performance meets all four of the above criteria.

A. Fabris, Heidegger. Una guida, Carocci, Roma 2023.

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