Syllabus
1. Course Description
a. Course Title
Topics in Italian philosophy: experience and knowledge after Kant
b. Pre-requisites
Students should be familiar with Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason.
c. Course Type (compulsory, elective, optional)
Compulsory
d. Abstract
Students will be provided with an overview on topics in the theory of knowledge developed by
Italian philosophers during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The critical reception and
discussion of Kantian issues will be discussed. Terminology and methodological issues will be
especially analysed.
2. Learning Objectives
Students should master the terminology of post-Kantian theory of knowledge.
Students should develop skills in analysis, contextualisation, and critical evaluation of approaches
to the theory of knowledge.
Students should gain knowledge of the main achievements of Italian philosophers with regard to
critical theory and philosophy of knowledge.
Students should be introduced to and gain a diversified knowledge of philosophy in Italy, so as to
become able to critically appreciate its theoretical relevance.
Students may become able to explore Italian literature on the theory of knowledge and relate it to
the post-Kantian epistemological discussion.
3. Learning Outcomes
Mastery of the basic terminology of post-Kantian epistemology.
Ability to identify and differentiate positions and arguments within the Italian debate on
epistemology and theory of knowledge.
4. Course Plan
Week 1: Introduction. Galluppi; Rosmini.
Week 2: Spaventa; Villari.
Week 3: Ardigò; Labriola.
Week 4: Croce; Enriques.
Week 5: Giulio Preti.
5. Reading List
a. Required (available in the HSE library)
From Kant to Croce. Modern Philosophy in Italy, 1800–1950. Ed. by Brian P. Copenhaver & Rebecca
Copenhaver. Toronto, ON, CAN: University of Toronto Press, 2011.
Preti, Giulio: Philosophical Essays. Critic Rationalism as Historical-objective Transcendentalism. Bruxelles,
BEL: Peter Lang, 2011.
b. Optional
Further literature will be suggested during the course, based on students’ interests and linguistic
skills.
6. Grading System
In order to attain a final passing grade you will have to regularly attend classes, read texts, engage
in class discussion, and pass the final exam.
Specifically, in order to attain a passing grade, you have to:
1) attend at least 50% of the scheduled classes (please note that if you are late, your delay will
count as 1 hour absence) and
2) read the assigned texts and engage in class discussion: 40% of your final grade (cumulative
assessment) and
3) pass a final test consisting of analysis, commentary, and contextualisation of texts studied during
the seminar: 60% of your final grade. In some cases to be discussed with the lecturer, the final test
may be replaced by a presentation during the course.
7. Guidelines for Knowledge Assessment
The seminar is based on analysis and commentary of texts. So you are required to do your
readings and to be able to present the main theses and arguments of each text whenever asked by
the lecturer, in order to get a passing grade. Skills in discussing the relevant theses and arguments
will be appreciated.
8. Methods of Instruction
Analysis and commentary of relevant texts by the lecturer and by students in form of presentations
and guided discussion.
9. Special Equipment and Software Support (if required)
No special equipment and software support required.