The aim of this course is to study in their logical and ontological implications some basic concepts related to the analysis of language and to a dialectical conception of philosophical inquiry. The first part will examine the Aristotelian conception of language outlined in De interpretatione: the notions of sign, name, proposition, negation and opposition. Then we will examine, in the course of a close reading of book four of the Metaphysics, the principle of contradiction and how it operates within a dialectical discourse that proceeds by means of questions and refutations. In the second part, attention will be paid to Jan Lukasiewicz’ and Nikolai A. Vasil’ev’s criticism of Aristotle and to their proposals for a logic devoid of the principle of contradiction; in particular, we will investigate a theory of imaginary worlds where contradictory objects and the language suitable for these worlds are envisaged. Finally, we will turn our scrutiny to an examination of the role of fiction in logic.

The course will address the following topics in the following order:

The relationship between language, thought and the world in the De interpretatione.

The elements of the proposition and the relationships of opposition between propositions in the De interpretatione.

The science of being qua being and the principle of contradiction in Metaphysics IV.

The dialectical refutation in Metaphysics IV.

Jan Łukasiewicz’ criticisms of the Aristotelian conception of the principle of contradiction.

The new conception of the proposition and negation in the work of N.A. Vasil’ev.

The imaginary logic for imaginary worlds.

Prerequisites are not required.

Knowledge and understanding
The student will be able to understand and explain the philosophical texts examined, to master the philosophical terminology, and to discuss critically the topics which have been dealt in the class.

Making judgments
The student will demonstrate independent judgment in the evaluation of the philosophical theories studied. In the mode of assessment of learning, a particular attention will be given to his/her ability to rework personal knowledge.

Learning skills
The student will be able to acquire new knowledge and skills, in order to access to additional training levels.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Seminars.

Teaching

Lectures, seminars.

Attendance

The course requires a regular attendance. Alternatively, please make use of the information for not attending students.

Course books

Aristotele, De interpretatione, capp. 1-7, Rizzoli BUR, Milano 1992, pp. 79-91; pp. 137-216 dedicated to the text commented on are optional.

Aristotele, Metafisica, libro IV, Rizzoli BUR, Milano 2009, pp. 601-661, pp. 137-216 dedicated to the text commented on are optional.

J. Łukasiewicz, Sul principio di contraddizione in Aristotele, «Paradigmi», XVIII (2000), n. 53, pp. 389-411.

N. A. Vasil’ev, Logica immaginaria, Carocci, Roma 2012.

Assessment

An oral examination on the texts indicated. Students may arrange with their teachers discussing a written report.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Not attending students can contact the teacher in the office hours to ask for explanations about the content of the tests for the exam.

Attendance

Please contact the teacher, preferably personally, at least three months in advance of the scheduled date of the exam.

Course books

Aristotele, De interpretatione, capp. 1-7, Rizzoli BUR, Milano 1992, pp. 79-91 + pp. 137-216 dedicated to the text commented on.

Aristotele, Metafisica, libro IV, Rizzoli BUR, Milano 2009, pp. 601-661 + pp. 663-730 dedicated to the text commented on.

J. Łukasiewicz, Sul principio di contraddizione in Aristotele, «Paradigmi», XVIII (2000), n. 53, pp. 389-411.

N.A. Vasil’ev, Logica immaginaria, Carocci, Roma 2012.

Assessment

An oral examination on the texts indicated. Students may arrange with their teachers discussing a written report.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

The teacher is available for the students in the appropriate office hours, for explanations and additional bibliographic information on the exam program, particularly in the case of not attending students.