A working knowledge of English and a basic acquaintance with the principal trends in western thought, especially during the nineteenth century.

The main aims of this course are to reach a comprehensive understanding of Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" and the principal ideas contained in it, to develop the ability to argue effectively, and to articulate a particular thesis in written form.

Reading Darwin in 2019

One hundred and sixty years ago, Darwin published "On the Origin of Species" (1859). The book had an extraordinary impact, not only in the fields of science and natural philosophy, but also in literature, theology and society at large. In addition to examining some of the most characteristic notions of Darwin's thought, such as evolution, natural selection and biodiversity, the course will explore a number of ontological and epistemological categories that today can be regarded as part of the most significant legacy of the book from a philosophical point of view (theory of causality, the nature of change, the origin of life and the limits of anthropocentrism).

• 1.  (A) Charles Darwin On the Origin of Species Penguin, London, 2009

• The course is based on a careful reading of "On the Origin of Species" and on a thorough contextualization - both philosophical and historical - of the principal themes addressed in the text. Students will be encouraged in class to engage with the main topics examined during the course, through questions, comments and critical remarks. Preparation of the written assignment required for the final exam will start early on during the term, through one-to-one meetings between student and teacher, and through discussions of potential preliminary drafts.

• Learning will be assessed through: 1) a written essay of about 4,000 words on one of the topics examined during the course, to be sent to the teacher by email at least ten days before the date of the final exam; 2) final oral exam, where the student will also have the opportunity to debate the results of the written essay.

The course is taught in English.

The exam is in English.