The course will offer students an analysis of the concept of humanism in its various articulations, starting from its birth in ancient philosophy, passing through its affirmation in modern thought, up to its crisis in contemporary philosophy. Particular attention will be given to the difference between the different forms of humanism that Western philosophy has proposed, to the common claim of superiority of the human being that they have raised, to the questioning of the latter by numerous contemporary philosophical and scientific current, and the fulfillment and overcoming of humanism by transhumanism and posthumanism. The course aims to promote the critical understanding of the various issues relating to the concept of humanism and their significance for philosophical anthropology.

- What is humanism;

- Forms of humanism;

- The claim of superiority of the human being;

- Crisis of humanism;

- Trans-humanism and Post-humanism;

- Humanism and human nature.

None.

Students must demonstrate:

a) Concerning knowledge and understanding: the awareness of the issues raised by the topic of human nature in contemporary age; the ability to conceive the complexity of the relationship between science and philosophy focusing on human nature; the ability to understand the theoretical reasons that underlie a religious and secular worldview and their differences in understanding the topic of human nature.

b) Concerning applied knowledge and understanding: the ability to apply acquired knowledge and skills in the discussion about the main topic of the course.

c) Concerning the autonomy in making judgments: the ability to analyze and scrutinize the key topics of the course, especially about the relationship among philosophical anthropology, science, and social constructions of human identity.

d) Concerning communication skills: the ability to communicate in a clear and coherent way the acquired knowledge as well as to discuss the topics of the course together with other students.

e) Concerning learning skills: the ability to evaluate the complexity of the issue related to human nature, by pointing out its relevance for individual and social life.

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

Teaching

Frontal lessons

Attendance

Attendance at 2/3 of the lessons.

Course books

Books and articles concerning the course topic will be recommended during the lessons.

Assessment

The assessment of the student is carried out by an oral examination, considered as the best tool for assessing the level of linguistic competence and the level of learning. The precise knowledge of the subjects of examination, the ability to establish the appropriate connections between the latter, and the linguistic property of their exposure are the basic criteria for determining the grade to be given to the student.

 Attending students can elaborate a brief essay about the main topics of the course, with the aim at improving the knowledge concerning relevant issues of the course. An intermediary examination will be possible, in order to test the reached level of knowledge.

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

Individual study.

Attendance

None.

Course books

J. Eccles-D. Robinson, The Wonder of Being Human, Free Press, New York 1984.

R. Scruton, On Human Nature, Princeton University Press, Princeton 2017.

Assessment

The assessment of the student is carried out by an oral examination, considered as the best tool for assessing the level of linguistic competence and the level of learning. The precise knowledge of the topics of examination, the ability to establish the appropriate connections between the latter, and the linguistic property of their exposure are the basic criteria for determining the grade to be given to the student.

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.