Philosophy

Discourse Analysis (DA) is an open perspective of inquiry situated at the intersection of the humanities and social sciences. This interdisciplinary orientation is reflected in the indeterminate character of the concept of discourse itself, which is used in a variety of meanings, which share the idea that discourse does not merely reflect an already given reality, but is a practice that forms objects of knowledge and determines precise interpersonal and social configurations. Hence the critical orientation of DA, which aims to investigate the ideological and manipulative use of language in the public sphere. The aim of the course is to explore the theoretical and categorical foundations of this field of research, in their different philosophical and linguistic origins, but also in their respective implications for the purposes of empirical analysis. Particular attention will be paid to the comparison of the perspective of post-structuralism with the orientations of linguistic pragmatics (illocutionary and enunciative).

A basic competence (level of the Bachelor’s degree in philosophy) of the main theoretical tools of semiotics and philosophy of language is required.

• M. Foucault, The Order of Discourse, in Robert Young (ed.), Untying the text: a Post-Structuralist Reader, Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1981: 48-78, and further editions. • É. Benveniste, Essere di parola (a cura di P. Fabbri), Bruno Mondadori, 2009 (pp. 111-143). • J. L. Austin, How to do Things with Words, Oxford University Press, 1962 and further editions. • J. Searle, Making the Social World. The Structure of Human Civilization, 2010. • F. Venier, Il potere del discorso. Retorica e pragmatica linguistica, Carocci, 2008.

Due to the seminar nature of the course, attendance is highly recommended.

The exam consists of a written paper and an oral interview. The paper will consist of the analysis and discussion of one of the topics covered in the course, agreed with the lecturer on the student's proposal, and must be submitted in final form at least one week before the exam date. The essay will count for 30% of the final grade. In order to pass the exam, the student must demonstrate 1. To have a thorough knowledge of the content of the texts on the syllabus; 2. To be able to reproduce them clearly and correctly, mastering the technical vocabulary used by the authors; 3. To be able to identify and critically discuss the main theoretical junctures; 4. To be able to independently consult and critically discuss the secondary literature. Satisfaction of points 1 and 2 is a necessary condition for passing the exam. Full marks will be awarded to students whose evidence satisfies all four points.

Further bibliographical references will be provided during the course.

Lectures and seminar discussions of the texts and topics covered in the course.

Discourse Analysis (DA) is an open perspective of inquiry situated at the intersection of the humanities and social sciences. This interdisciplinary orientation is reflected in the indeterminate character of the concept of discourse itself, which is used in a variety of meanings, which share the idea that discourse does not merely reflect an already given reality, but is a practice that forms objects of knowledge and determines precise interpersonal and social configurations. Hence the critical orientation of DA, which aims to investigate the ideological and manipulative use of language in the public sphere. The aim of the course is to explore the theoretical and categorical foundations of this field of research, in their different philosophical and linguistic origins, but also in their respective implications for the purposes of empirical analysis. Particular attention will be paid to the comparison of the perspective of post-structuralism with the orientations of linguistic pragmatics (illocutionary and enunciative).

A basic competence (level of the Bachelor’s degree in philosophy) of the main theoretical tools of semiotics and philosophy of language is required.

• M. Foucault, The Order of Discourse, in Robert Young (ed.), Untying the text: a Post-Structuralist Reader, Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1981: 48-78, and further editions. • É. Benveniste, Essere di parola (a cura di P. Fabbri), Bruno Mondadori, 2009 (pp. 111-143). • J. L. Austin, How to do Things with Words, Oxford University Press, 1962 and further editions. • J. Searle, Making the Social World. The Structure of Human Civilization, 2010. • F. Venier, Il potere del discorso. Retorica e pragmatica linguistica, Carocci, 2008.

Due to the seminar nature of the course, attendance is highly recommended.

The exam consists of a written paper and an oral interview. The paper will consist of the analysis and discussion of one of the topics covered in the course, agreed with the lecturer on the student's proposal, and must be submitted in final form at least one week before the exam date. The essay will count for 30% of the final grade. In order to pass the exam, the student must demonstrate 1. To have a thorough knowledge of the content of the texts on the syllabus; 2. To be able to reproduce them clearly and correctly, mastering the technical vocabulary used by the authors; 3. To be able to identify and critically discuss the main theoretical junctures; 4. To be able to independently consult and critically discuss the secondary literature. Satisfaction of points 1 and 2 is a necessary condition for passing the exam. Full marks will be awarded to students whose evidence satisfies all four points.

Further bibliographical references will be provided during the course.

Lectures and seminar discussions of the texts and topics covered in the course.