Message

F0619 Determinism and free-will in ancient philosophical literature

The course aims to introduce students to the philosophical categories of Greek and Roman civilisation. The students will be able to employ the specific language, the basic concepts, and the technical argumentation of Western Philosophy\r\n

Then, the students will understand the connection of the modern philosophical perspectives with ancient thought.

\r\n

Presentation and introduction to the most important philosophical categories. The sense of being, ousia, substance, atoms and void, mind, apeiron, paradox, logos, change, doxa, truth, the good, justice, ethics.

\r\n

Inspection in the deterministic theory of Stoicism: what is Fate? what is Providence? Ethical implications in Chrysippus, Cicero, Seneca. By the direct approach to the texts (in translation beside the original) the students can reconstruct the history of this contemporary outlook.

\r\n

Analysis of a problem (A): The responsibility at moment of assenting

\r\n

Analysis of a problem (B): How can we be responsible if we are not free in deciding our fate?

\r\nInspection of the free-will: is Epicurus a compatibiliste? What about Aristotle? By the direct approach to the texts (in translation beside the original) the students can reconstruct the history of this contemporary outlook.