This module provides a precise and detailed overview of one of the fundamental texts of modern thought. By the end of the course, students will be able to orient themselves within the text, to place it within the development of the history of philosophy, and within the work of Vico, with which they will have familiarised themselves.
Course Prerequisites
No prerequisites or specific knowledge beyond that required for admission to the three-year degree course in Philosophy are required, but those who only take the History of Modern Philosophy b module examination must demonstrate a basic knowledge of philosophical thought from the 15th to the 18th centuries.
Teaching Methods
The lecturer’s presentations are supported by the use of materials made available on the KIRO platform. The commented reading of texts constitutes a fundamental part of the lectures, for which the active participation of students is indispensable. Attendance of the lectures is therefore strongly recommended.
Assessment Methods
Oral exam. The oral exam consists of questions about the author and the work at the center of the module, including the reading and commentary of selected passages. The final mark, expressed as a fraction of 30, reflects the acquired knowledge, as well as the appropriateness of the exposition, and the terminological precision demonstrated by the student. For students attending both module a and module b, the mark will result from the weighted average of the two exams. The exam must be completed by the end of the following academic year.
Texts
A) G. Vico, Principi di Scienza Nuova, ed. by A. Battistini, Milano, Mondadori, 2023 (please contact the lecturer if you would like to use a different edition).
b) One of these works: N. Badaloni, Introduzione a Vico, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2008; M. Sanna, Vico, Roma, Carocci, 2016.
c) L. Amoroso, Introduzione alla Scienza Nuova di Vico, Pisa, Ets, 2011.
Contents
Giambattista Vico’ New Science The lectures will be divided into two basic parts: a general introduction to Vico’s thought; an annotated reading of the text of the New Science.
Course Language
Italian
More information
Those unable to attend the course are required to follow the instructions provided in the section on bibliographical information. They are also encouraged to contact the lecturer by the end of the second week of term.
