History of brain and mind sciences

Course objectives

Given for granted some basic and indispensable goals (knowledge and understanding in the field of studies; ability to apply knowledge and understanding; capability of critical analysis; communication skills on that which has been learned; capacity to undertake further studies with some autonomy), the course intends to attain the following specific objectives: A) knowledge of key notions and central topics on the history of brain and mind sciences; B) improvement of: capacity of critical reading and in-depth historical-theoretical framing of philosophical and scientific texts; ability of proper utilizing secondary literature; mastery of a highly specialized philosophical terminology in oral and written communication; improvement of argumentative skills.

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NUNZIO ALLOCCA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Generative Artificial Intelligence, Neurology of Consciousness and Psychoanalytic Diagnosis : critical paths in the history of the sciences of the mind and brain This course will introduce to the knowledge of some major issues in the history of mind and brain sciences. In particular, the most significant stages in the history of theories of emotions from antiquity to the present will be reconstructed, with special attention to the Freudian revolution, to the study of the different models of the relationships between the physical and the mental that have marked contemporary philosophical and psychological thought, and finally to the Generative AI.
Prerequisites
A knowledge corresponding to the level of the bachelor’s degree in Philosophy is required. In particular, it is needed: a) a mastery of the basic philosophical terminology; b) an understanding (at least basic) of the history of scientific thought
Books
N. Mc Williams, La diagnosi psicoanalitica, Seconda edizione riveduta e ampliata, Roma, Astrolabio, 2012 A. Damasio, L'errore di Cartesio. Emozione, ragione e cervello umano, Milano, Adelphi, 1994. R. Manzotti, Simone Rossi, Io & Ia: Mente, Cervello e GPT, Rubettino, 2023
Frequency
attending the course is highly recommended
Exam mode
The exam will consist a discussion in the classroom of one of the topics covered in the course, agreed with the teacher upon proposal of the student (or, alternatively, a paper on a topic agreed with the teacher); b) an oral interview on the scheduled texts. The examination will focus on all the texts to be studied. Students must show: 1. Knowledge of the content of the texts; 2. Skill of communicating it and mastery of the technical terminology of the various studied philosophers; 3. Ability to grasp the main issues and to discuss them critically; 4. Ability to elaborate an argument about the treated issues in an personal way. 1. and 2. are necessary conditions in order to pass the exam. A final grade superior to 27 will be given to students who reach all the goals.
Lesson mode
Frontal lessons and seminar discussions of the text and the issues treated in the course.
  • Lesson code10592886
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CoursePhilosophy
  • CurriculumFilosofia
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDM-STO/05
  • CFU6