Teaching Workshop: Philosophy of Biology: Paths and Problems in Today's Life Sciences
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The workshop aims to examine the basic concepts and some of the problems currently at the center of the debates in philosophy of biology, in order to spread the active interest of the students towards this discipline and to promote the acquisition of some of the leading ideas, conceptual tools and issues of this research area. Furthermore, the workshop intends to stimulate and refine the aptitude for critical thinking and philosophical debate and the capacity to elaborate autonomous perspectives and paths of study. To this end, students will be required to prepare brief written or oral presentations related to the topics of the workshop.
Expected learning outcomes
The workshop aims to develop the following skills:
Critical thinking skills:
By the end of the workshop, students will display a sufficiently independent critical approach in selecting and interpreting the notions that are most relevant their area of study and to the broader socio-cultural context in which they operate
Communication skills:
By the end of the workshop:
- students will be able to effectively communicate the acquired knowledge and disseminate it to the general public;
- student will have developed basic IT skills concerning knowledge preservation and transfer.
Learning skills:
By the end of the workshop, students will have developed the learning skills required to continue their studies in keeping with their own research interests. In order to meet this objective, students will also develop relevant skills in the independent interpretation of sources and in the use of basic IT tool for bibliographic research.
Critical thinking skills:
By the end of the workshop, students will display a sufficiently independent critical approach in selecting and interpreting the notions that are most relevant their area of study and to the broader socio-cultural context in which they operate
Communication skills:
By the end of the workshop:
- students will be able to effectively communicate the acquired knowledge and disseminate it to the general public;
- student will have developed basic IT skills concerning knowledge preservation and transfer.
Learning skills:
By the end of the workshop, students will have developed the learning skills required to continue their studies in keeping with their own research interests. In order to meet this objective, students will also develop relevant skills in the independent interpretation of sources and in the use of basic IT tool for bibliographic research.
Lesson period: Second semester
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The main concepts and topics concerning the philosophy of biology, especially those related to the theory of evolution, will be presented to the participants. A series of problems characterizing the current biological sciences will be analyzed from a scientific and philosophical point of view. Some specific case-studies related to biological and evolutionary investigations and relevant in current discussions in the philosophy of biology will be also addressed during the course. Some of the topics and case-studies will be mainly related to current and historical debates in the evolutionary field, such as, e.g., those concerning the standard structure of the evolutionary theory and its possible reform towards an extended and multilevel synthesis, the debate on phyletic gradualism and punctuated equilibria, the role of macro-evolutionary patterns and processes within the evolutionary theory and the hierarchy theory of evolution. Furthermore, some crucial biological notions and significant theoretical problems will be discussed from a philosophical point of view, such as, e.g., those concerning the notions of "species", "evolutionary contingency", "cause" or "individual" in biology, the form - function dialectic, which is related to the notions of "adaptation", "exaptation" and "spandrels", the evolutionary origin of altruism and cooperative behaviors.
The presentation of the case-studies will be followed by philosophical analyses and discussions in which the whole class will participate. Bibliographical suggestions will be provided during the workshop, which can be used by students to prepare oral or written insights related to the covered topics. Each student will carry out at least one short research work, to be done in a group or individually.
The practical course is open to all students of the degree course in Philosophy and of the master degree in Philosophical sciences.
The presentation of the case-studies will be followed by philosophical analyses and discussions in which the whole class will participate. Bibliographical suggestions will be provided during the workshop, which can be used by students to prepare oral or written insights related to the covered topics. Each student will carry out at least one short research work, to be done in a group or individually.
The practical course is open to all students of the degree course in Philosophy and of the master degree in Philosophical sciences.
Prerequisites for admission
No previous knowledge required
Teaching methods
Presentation of the main concepts and significant case studies by the teacher; debate and discussion with the participants; group work aimed at preparing and presenting short oral reports to the class; independent research work and preparation of short written reports.
Teaching Resources
Borghini A., Casetta E., Filosofia della biologia, Carocci, Roma 2013.
Pievani T., Introduzione alla filosofia della biologia, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2005.
Further texts and articles on more specific topics will be suggested during the course.
Pievani T., Introduzione alla filosofia della biologia, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2005.
Further texts and articles on more specific topics will be suggested during the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Presentation of the main concepts and significant case studies by the teacher; debate and discussion with the participants; group work aimed at preparing and presenting short oral reports to the class; independent research work and preparation of short written reports.
- University credits: 3
Humanities workshops: 20 hours
Professor:
Parravicini Andrea
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Parravicini AndreaProfessor(s)
Reception:
Monday, h 15,00-18,00
Please contact me by email (andrea.parravicini@unimi.it) to make an appointment - I receive at the Department of Philosophy, Ice House Courtyard, II floor - alternatively on Teams