Introduction to Political Philosophy as a peculiar field of studies: nature, history, authors, issues. Its dimensions, paradigms, theoretical approaches, and intellectual traditions.
Course Content - Last names M-Z
A basic lexicon of political philosophy. The course aim at explaining and analysing basic concepts of contemporary political philosophy, such as: justice, injustice, contract, equality, liberty, toleration, multiculturalism, democracy, liberalism/neoliberalism, neo-fondamentalism, feminism, gender, queer.
Please write an e-mail to brunella.casalini@unifi.it to be enrolled in the virtual class, where you'll find all the materials (teacher's note and slides included), except for Zappino's book.
J. Rawls, Una teoria della giustizia, Feltrinelli, Milano, 1984, pp. 21-44.
A. Sen, L'idea di giustizia, Mondadori, Milano, pp. 3-39 e pp. 235-272.
J. Shklar, I volti dell'ingiustizia. Iniquita' o cattiva sorte, Feltrinelli, Milano 2000, pp. 9-23.
Iris Marion Young, Le politiche della differenza, Feltrinelli, Milano 1996, pp. 5-50.
J. Locke, Letter on Toleration.
J. Stuart Mill, Essay on Liberty, chapter IV.
C. Mancina, Multiculturalismo, in C. Botti (a cura di), Le etiche della diversità culturale, Le Lettere, Firenze 2013, pp. 83-102
S. Moller Okin, Multiculturalismo e femminismo: non una semplice domanda, non semplici risposte, in A. M. Graziano, La sfida etica del multiculturalismo, Edizioni Lavoro, Roma 2006, pp. 115-144.
F. Zappino (a cura di), Il genere tra neoliberismo e neofondamentalismo, ombre corte, Verona 2016 (tutto)., except for Zappino's book, are going to be available on Moodle (virtual class).
Learning Objectives - Last names A-L
Learning to (a) recognize the ideal orientations behind political actors, as well as (b) critically discuss the problems they raise – in philosophical, rather than ideological, terms.
Learning Objectives - Last names M-Z
The course aims at developing analytical and critical capabilities.
Prerequisites - Last names A-L
Some previous acquaintance with the history of political thought, as well as a HighSchool-level knowledge of general philosophy, will turn useful. However, the teacher will provide all explanations that are needed, whenever asked to.
Prerequisites - Last names M-Z
It is better if you have already passed the exam of history of political doctrines.
Teaching Methods - Last names A-L
Lectures (about 72 hours)
Teaching Methods - Last names M-Z
Frontal lecturing.
Further information - Last names A-L
However not compulsory, attending the course turns out useful, and is highly recommended.
Further information - Last names M-Z
Please, consult with me during my office-hours if you need any further explanations or additional information.
Type of Assessment - Last names A-L
The exam, only written, will include (A) a closed-answer questionnaire consisting in a set of multiple-choice questions on a broad variety of issues, followed by (B) a couple of open questions requiring a longer answer of about half-to-one page each. Getting a pass mark in the overall questionnaire will be considered a precondition for the longer answers to be read and evaluated.
Type of Assessment - Last names M-Z
Written exam + position paper.
1) Written exam. You'll have one hour time to answer six questions (four short questions and two longer ones) on the first two modules of the course
2) Position paper on Zappino's book. The paper cannot be more then 15.000 characters long. It must be send by e-mail one week before the date of the exam and it will be discussed with the professor.
Only attendants students are going to have access to the middle-term exam.
Course program - Last names A-L
1st module: Political Philosophy: its definition and tasks; dimensions and approaches.
2nd module: The models or “paradigms” of Political Philosophy: Pólis; City of Man/City of God; social and/or political contract; State/civil society; theories of justice.
3rd module: Complete reading of Max Weber, La politica come professione, Einaudi, Torino 2004.
Course program - Last names M-Z
A basic lexicon of political philosophy. The course aim at explaining and analyzing basic concepts of contemporary political philosophy, such as: justice, injustice, contract, equality, liberty, toleration, multiculturalism, democracy, liberalism/neoliberalism, neo-fundamentalism, feminism, gender, queer.