Philosophy

Phenomenology of Religion between Levinas and Derrida The position of a structural link between phenomenology and religion—which defines the phenomenology of religion as one of the most compelling contemporary versions of the philosophy of religion—takes on a particularly radical and paradigmatic form in Totality and Infinity by Emmanuel Levinas. Through an analytical and comprehensive reading of the work, the course aims to show how the phenomenological method is the key to understanding and critically evaluating the cogency of Levinas’s specific line of argument. The comparison with the thought of Husserl and Heidegger leads to a profound reworking of the core notions of phenomenology: from this perspective, the recourse to conceptual resources from the religious tradition becomes—in a way that still requires assessment—philosophically necessary. The theoretical consistency of Levinas's phenomenology of religion will therefore be examined in light of the critical analysis developed by Derrida in Violence and Metaphysics, which challenges the possibility of transcending philosophical logos from within.

A knowledge corresponding to the level of the bachelor’s degree in philosophy is required. In particular, it is required: a) a mastery of the basic philosophical terminology; b) a basic, textbook understanding of the thought of Heidegger, Husserl, Levinas and Derrida.

E. Levinas, Totalità e infinito. Saggio sull’esteriorità, tr. it. di A. Dall’Asta, Jaca Book, Milano 2016. J. Derrida, Violenza e metafisica, in Id., La scrittura e la differenza, Einaudi, Torino 2002, pp. 99-198.

Attending the course is highly recommended

The exam will consist of a written (30% of the final grade) and an oral part (70% of the final grade). Students must write a short paper on a critical essay (which has to be agreed with the professor and related to one of the issues treated during the course). The paper has to be delivered at least two weeks before the exam. The oral examination will focus on text to be studied. Students must show: 1. In-depth knowledge of the content of the texts; 2. Skill of communicating it and mastery (written and oral) of the technical terminology of the various studied philosophers; 3. Ability to grasp the main issues and to discuss them critically; 4. Ability to find his/her way in the bibliography and to discuss it. 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.

Reading guides and introductions to the thought and specific works of the authors included in the syllabus. 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. Seminar discussion of the topics covered.