Historical Studies

Ego Ideal and Super-Ego: The Genesis of Moral Conscience According to Sigmund Freud This course aims to analyze the peculiar way Sigmund Freud elaborated the notion of Moral Conscience (Gewissen), tracing this development within the crisis that psychoanalysis, with its introduction of the unconscious, instigated against the modern philosophical conception of the subject. The course will concentrate on three fundamental theoretical phases of Freud's metapsychological elaboration: 1. The 1914 essay, "On Narcissism: An Introduction", where Freud first introduces the concept of the Ego Ideal (Ideale dell’Io), defining it as an heir to the primary narcissism of childhood; 2. The 1920 work, "Beyond the Pleasure Principle", which represents a fundamental turning point in the evolution of drive theory, by proposing the complex and much-debated notion of the Death Drive; 3. The 1923 essay, "The Ego and the Id", in which the concept of the Super-Ego makes its official appearance and is notably linked to the death drive through the intriguing phenomenon of Moral Masochism. The core of the course's direct analysis will concentrate on these key texts. However, the instructor will also provide supplementary materials (in the form of additional readings/handouts) on other primary and secondary contributions. This material will serve to better understand both the relationship (difference or identity?) between the Ego Ideal and the Super-Ego, and the specificity of the Freudian position compared to philosophical treatments of the same theme.

A knowledge corresponding to the level of the bachelor’s degree in philosophy is required. General knowledge of the history of philosophy with special focus on history of modern and contemporary philosophy.

- S. Freud, Introduzione al narcisismo (1914), in OSF vol. 7, pp. 439-472 - S. Freud, Al di là del principio di piacere (1920), in OSF vol. 9, pp. 187-249 - S. Freud, L’Io e l’Es (1923), in OSF vol. 9, pp. 469-520 - Lecture notes prepared by the instructor

Attending the course is highly recommended

The evaluation consists of an oral examination. The following will be assessed (also during the course) 1. Knowledge and understanding of the text covered by the course, from its most general aspects to its details; in particular, the students' ability to confront a philosophical text and to critically and personally analyse specific aspects of it will be assessed (evaluation points 1-12). 2. The students' ability to express themselves and to master, even in detail, the vocabulary (evaluation points 1-8). 3. Knowledge of the historical context (in relation to the thought of the authors covered by the course and in relation to the history of philosophy in general) (evaluation points 1-5). 4. The capability of original elaboration and personal exploration of the issues addressed (evaluation points 1-5)

Reading guides and introductions to the thought and specific works of the authors on the programme. Secondary literature on specific topics will be recommended during the course

Lectures with reconstruction of the context and reading, analysis and commentary of the texts. The original texts will be constantly taken into account.

Ego Ideal and Super-Ego: The Genesis of Moral Conscience According to Sigmund Freud This course aims to analyze the peculiar way Sigmund Freud elaborated the notion of Moral Conscience (Gewissen), tracing this development within the crisis that psychoanalysis, with its introduction of the unconscious, instigated against the modern philosophical conception of the subject. The course will concentrate on three fundamental theoretical phases of Freud's metapsychological elaboration: 1. The 1914 essay, "On Narcissism: An Introduction", where Freud first introduces the concept of the Ego Ideal (Ideale dell’Io), defining it as an heir to the primary narcissism of childhood; 2. The 1920 work, "Beyond the Pleasure Principle", which represents a fundamental turning point in the evolution of drive theory, by proposing the complex and much-debated notion of the Death Drive; 3. The 1923 essay, "The Ego and the Id", in which the concept of the Super-Ego makes its official appearance and is notably linked to the death drive through the intriguing phenomenon of Moral Masochism. The core of the course's direct analysis will concentrate on these key texts. However, the instructor will also provide supplementary materials (in the form of additional readings/handouts) on other primary and secondary contributions. This material will serve to better understand both the relationship (difference or identity?) between the Ego Ideal and the Super-Ego, and the specificity of the Freudian position compared to philosophical treatments of the same theme.

A knowledge corresponding to the level of the bachelor’s degree in philosophy is required. General knowledge of the history of philosophy with special focus on history of modern and contemporary philosophy.

- S. Freud, Introduzione al narcisismo (1914), in OSF vol. 7, pp. 439-472 - S. Freud, Al di là del principio di piacere (1920), in OSF vol. 9, pp. 187-249 - S. Freud, L’Io e l’Es (1923), in OSF vol. 9, pp. 469-520 - Lecture notes prepared by the instructor

Attending the course is highly recommended

The evaluation consists of an oral examination. The following will be assessed (also during the course) 1. Knowledge and understanding of the text covered by the course, from its most general aspects to its details; in particular, the students' ability to confront a philosophical text and to critically and personally analyse specific aspects of it will be assessed (evaluation points 1-12). 2. The students' ability to express themselves and to master, even in detail, the vocabulary (evaluation points 1-8). 3. Knowledge of the historical context (in relation to the thought of the authors covered by the course and in relation to the history of philosophy in general) (evaluation points 1-5). 4. The capability of original elaboration and personal exploration of the issues addressed (evaluation points 1-5)

Reading guides and introductions to the thought and specific works of the authors on the programme. Secondary literature on specific topics will be recommended during the course

Lectures with reconstruction of the context and reading, analysis and commentary of the texts. The original texts will be constantly taken into account.