36
History of Mediaeval Philosophy
UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI NAPOLI "L'ORIENTALE"
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
Knowledge and Understanding
- Acquire a solid understanding of the key aspects of the cultural context (historical, artistic, and philosophical) between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with particular attention to the debate on female nature and the legitimacy of women’s intellectual role.
- Understand the central themes of Christine de Pizan’s The Book of the City of Ladies and Moderata Fonte’s The Worth of Women in light of the history of thought, literature, and gender philosophy, to assess continuities and ruptures, innovation and tradition in the Renaissance as compared to the Middle Ages and Modernity.
Applied Knowledge and Understanding
- Apply logical and discursive tools to the interpretation of texts and theoretical issues from the medieval to the early modern period.
- Actively participate in classroom discussions using appropriate language and well-structured argumentation.
- Develop critical analysis skills and apply communication strategies in teaching settings or in the dissemination of philosophy in Italy and abroad.
Judgment and Critical Thinking
- Evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of philosophical texts.
- Formulate critical judgments on philosophical issues across historical periods.
- Express personal opinions on themes and problems in the history of thought from the Middle Ages to Modernity.
Communication Skills
- Produce written and oral texts using philosophical vocabulary specific to each author or topic.
- Communicate fluently and accurately during discussions related to the history of medieval and Renaissance philosophy.
- Enhance linguistic and lexical proficiency, conceptual development skills, and logical-argumentative competence.
Learning Skills
- Competently consult databases, digital libraries, online resources, as well as manuscripts and early printed editions in physical libraries.
- Produce educational and outreach materials, including digital formats.
- Develop a personal learning method to deepen historical and philosophical competencies, also through participation in collective discussions.
- Actively engage in lectures by taking notes and using supplementary resources (search engines, bibliographic tools).
- Engage in self-assessment and continuous updating of skills and knowledge through personal strategies, collaborative learning, and awareness of the importance of lifelong learning.
Course Prerequisites
It is preferable, though not mandatory, for students to have a basic knowledge of the history of philosophy.
Essential notions will be introduced at the beginning of the course to ensure a shared foundation.
Teaching Methods
The course is based on guided readings, seminar discussions, and written activities. Digital tools will be used for consulting textual archives, creating podcasts, and collaborative online writing. An interdisciplinary approach is adopted, combining philosophy, literature, intellectual history, and gender studies.
Assessment Methods
Learning will be assessed through active participation in class (such as presentations using slides, etc.) and a final oral examination.
- Students will be evaluated based on the completeness and accuracy of the knowledge acquired, clarity of expression, and their ability to critically analyze the evolution of thought between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with particular attention to the intellectual role of women.
- To pass the exam, students must have studied the texts listed in the bibliography and those indicated during the course. Additional materials suggested during the lessons may also be included as part of the preparation.
- The final grade will be expressed on a scale of thirty points.
Texts
C. De Pizan, “La città delle dame”, a cura di Patrizia Caraffi, Carocci, Roma 2004.
M. Fonte, "Il merito delle donne: Ove chiaramente si scuopre quanto siano elle degne, e piu perfette de gli huomini,” (any edition of the text).
S. Plastina, “Mollezza della carne e sottigliezza dell'ingegno. La natura della donna nel Rinascimento europeo”, Carocci, Roma 2017.
Contents
Women and Philosophy between Middle Ages and Renaissance: Christine de Pizan and Moderata Fonte
This course focuses on the philosophical and political thought of Christine de Pizan (late 14th – early 15th century) and Moderata Fonte (second half of the 16th century), two pivotal figures in the history of reflection on women, knowledge, and social justice between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Their works mark a critical turning point in the long-standing debate on “female nature” and the legitimacy of women’s intellectual authority at a time when women were excluded from academic and civic institutions. Christine and Moderata not only offer a defense of women against the dominant misogynistic traditions, but also articulate an early philosophy of gender difference, challenging the biological, moral, and theological premises historically used to justify female inferiority.
Course Language
The teaching is provided in Italian.