Classics

Change: The Aristotelian Solution to an Ancient Problem Change is a problematic and controversial entity. In ancient philosophy, since the time of the so-called "Pre-Socratics," its ontological status has been the subject of diverse and often conflicting conceptions. Aristotle was the first to formulate elaborate physical-metaphysical theories of change, employing some of the key conceptual tools of his philosophy, particularly the doctrine of categories, the distinction between potentiality and actuality, and that between matter, form, mover, and end. Aristotle's theory of change is sophisticated and philosophically compelling. It was constructed in response to complex theoretical challenges: it aims to define the mode of being of change, rehabilitating its ontological status (also) in response to Plato's opposition between being and change.

The requirements include the following: basic knowledge of philosophy (corresponding to the level of the upper secondary school); mastery of the fundamental philosophical terminology and of the history of ancient philosophy.

Berti, E., Profilo di Aristotele, Roma 1979. Zucca D., L'anima del vivente, Brescia 2015 (cap. 1, pp. 19-74). M. Ugaglia, Aristotele, Fisica Libro III, Roma: Carocci 2012. Handouts made available during the course on the relevant classroom page.

Frontal lessons and discussions of the texts and the issues tackled in the course.

Attending the course is strongly recommended.

The exam is an oral interview. To pass it, students must show: 1) In-depth knowledge of the contents of the texts included in the exam program; 2) Argumentative and linguistic skills; 3) Ability to grasp the main issues and to discuss them critically; 4) Critical mastery of the bibliography. Point 1) and 2) are necessary to pass the exam. Point 1), 2), 3), 4) are necessary to get a final mark superior to 27.

Besides the texts included in the exam program, see: Platone, Menone, a cura di M. Bonazzi, Einaudi 2010 Scott, D., Plato’s Meno, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 2005.

Frontal lessons and discussions of the texts and the issues tackled in the course.

Change: The Aristotelian Solution to an Ancient Problem Change is a problematic and controversial entity. In ancient philosophy, since the time of the so-called "Pre-Socratics," its ontological status has been the subject of diverse and often conflicting conceptions. Aristotle was the first to formulate elaborate physical-metaphysical theories of change, employing some of the key conceptual tools of his philosophy, particularly the doctrine of categories, the distinction between potentiality and actuality, and that between matter, form, mover, and end. Aristotle's theory of change is sophisticated and philosophically compelling. It was constructed in response to complex theoretical challenges: it aims to define the mode of being of change, rehabilitating its ontological status (also) in response to Plato's opposition between being and change.

The requirements include the following: basic knowledge of philosophy (corresponding to the level of the upper secondary school); mastery of the fundamental philosophical terminology and of the history of ancient philosophy.

Berti, E., Profilo di Aristotele, Roma 1979. Zucca D., L'anima del vivente, Brescia 2015 (cap. 1, pp. 19-74). M. Ugaglia, Aristotele, Fisica Libro III, Roma: Carocci 2012. Handouts made available during the course on the relevant classroom page.

Frontal lessons and discussions of the texts and the issues tackled in the course.

Attending the course is strongly recommended.

The exam is an oral interview. To pass it, students must show: 1) In-depth knowledge of the contents of the texts included in the exam program; 2) Argumentative and linguistic skills; 3) Ability to grasp the main issues and to discuss them critically; 4) Critical mastery of the bibliography. Point 1) and 2) are necessary to pass the exam. Point 1), 2), 3), 4) are necessary to get a final mark superior to 27.

Besides the texts included in the exam program, see: Platone, Menone, a cura di M. Bonazzi, Einaudi 2010 Scott, D., Plato’s Meno, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 2005.

Frontal lessons and discussions of the texts and the issues tackled in the course.