Global Humanities

Metaphysics in the Early Modern Period: Selected Topics and Texts The course is dedicated to the reading of selected texts composed between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries by classic authors in the history of modern philosophy (e.g., Descartes, Hobbes, Cavendish, Campanella) and which can be placed within the context of the history of metaphysics. The course will offer an overview of "classic" questions in the history of thought that remain relevant today (e.g., in relation to the soul and the body, personal identity, God and the world), contextualized within the overall work of their authors and the cultural debate (scientific, artistic, literary) of the time. The language of the lectures, texts, and bibliography is English. Note: The Philosophy in Global Perspective exam is worth 12 credits, which are the sum of the exams given by Professor Simone Pollo (Philosophy of Science and Ethics in Global Perspective) and Professor Riccarda Suitner (History of Metaphysics in Global Perspective). It is possible to take the exam with Professor Suitner only if the exam with Professor Pollo has been previously taken and passed.

1. Primary texts provided by the professor for each lesson and complete content (notes) of the lessons. 2. Entries about the philosophers covered in class, in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, available online: https://plato.stanford.edu/ 3. Entry “What is Metaphysics?”: https://blog.routledge.com/humanities-and-media-arts/what-is-metaphysics/ 4. The Self in Ancient and Early Modern Philosophy, ed. by A. Nemeth and D. Schmal, London et al., Bloomsbury Academic, pp. 1-17 and 95-206 (e-book available through Sapienza electronic resources) Notes: 1)The exam will consist of an oral examination on the texts, authors, and topics covered in class, as well as the assigned reading list. The exams will be held during the regular exam sessions. Students must demonstrate their ability to clearly analyze the texts covered in class and their knowledge of the historical-philosophical background of the topics and authors discussed, while maintaining a proper command of specialized vocabulary. 2) Given the complexity of early modern philosophical texts, regular attendance is an important factor for the exam. Students unable to attend are asked to contact the professor BEFORE they start to prepare the exam to receive indication of further reading necessary for an independent study.