History of Contemporary Philosophy (2008/2009)

Learning outcomes

The course is aimed at providing general knowledge concerning 20th-Century philosophy. In particular it will focus on the main issues and trends of contemporary philosophical debate, and their intertwining with the topics of historical and social sciences. Special attention will be dedicated to Emmanuel Mounier, to whom can be ascribed the inspiration of the personalist movement, which marked the 20th century and mixed itself with pedagogical, religious and social experiences.

The programme will be divided into two sections:
1)The following topics and authors will be approached (chosen among the many ones that are dealt with in the handbooks on History of Philosophy):
-introduction to the 20th-Century philosophical climate: neo-criticism and neo-idealism;
-pragmatism and Dewey;
-Husserl and the phenomenological orientation;
-Heidegger and the various ways to existentialism;
-Wittgestein and neo-positivism;
-neo-Scholastics and personalism;
-Gadamer and contemporary hermeneutics;
-the School of Frankfurt and neo-Marxism.
Upon agreement with the teacher, students may choose alternative topics.
2) The lessons will provide a complete profile of Gadamer’s philosophical reflection, together with commentary and readings of some of his most known texts (listed in the references). Upon agreement with the teacher, students may substitute the indicated texts with others (of the same author),.

Texts for the exam:
1) A secondary education Philosophy handbook (ex. Reale-Antiseri, Berti-Volpi, Adorno-Gregory-Verra, Moravia, or the latest: L’esperienza del pensiero. La filosofia: storia, temi, attualità, vol. 5, Loescher, Torino 2006). For reference, see the following University handbooks: G. Fornero, Le filosofie del Novecento, Bruno Mondadori, Milano 2002; Storia della filosofia, edited by C. A. Viano and P. Rossi, Vol. VI, Laterza, Roma-Bari (two vols).
2) E. Mounier, Il Pesonalismo, edited by G. Campanini e M. Pesenti, Ed. AVE, Roma 2004; ato introduce the themes of the personalist movement and the thought of Mounier: G. Galeazzi, Personalismo, Bibliografica, Milano 1998; N. Bombaci, Una vita, una testimonianza. Emmanuel Mounier, A. Siciliano,Messina1999.

Oral examination.