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SPRING TERM 2026
Wed 12:30-14:05 Room P131 e-mail me for consultation or questions: anna.tropia@ff.cuni.cz General description This course introduces students to the question “What is philosophy in the thirteenth century?” through the works of Dante Alighieri (1265–1321), one of the most important figures in European cultural history. Instead of focusing only on medieval university philosophers, the course explores philosophy as it appears in literary, poetic, and political texts. Dante was not a professional philosopher and did not study in a medieval university. He was a lay intellectual who wrote mainly in the vernacular, addressing a wide audience. Nevertheless, his works engage deeply with the main philosophical debates of his time. In texts such as the Convivio, the Monarchia, and especially the Divine Comedy, Dante reflects on the meaning of philosophy and uses it to explore fundamental questions about human life and society. By reading selected passages from these works, students will learn how philosophical ideas circulated beyond academic contexts in the Middle Ages. The course will focus on key themes such as the relationship between philosophy and theology, the purpose of human life, the nature of the human being, and humanity’s place in the universe. Special attention will be given to how Dante combines philosophy with literature, imagination, and artistic expression, making his works especially relevant for students in the arts. Last update: Tropia Anna, Ph.D. (27.01.2026)
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This course aims to introduce BA students to 13th century most debated philosophical themes through the lens of a peculiar philosopher, Dante. At the end of the course, students will acquire familiarity with the concepts of human happiness (human and supernatural), human soul and its virtues, universal philosophy. They will be able to read and expound on the primary sources discussed in class, as well as to identify philosophical terms and problems. Last update: Tropia Anna, Ph.D. (27.01.2026)
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Regular attendance and study of the materials on Moodle. Contact the teacher if need be. Last update: Tropia Anna, Ph.D. (27.01.2026)
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Primary Sources
All the texts will be read in English.
For the Convivio, either C. Ryan’s translation (1993) or Lansing’s (fully online: https://digitaldante.columbia.edu/text/library/the-convivio/) For the Commedia, we are going to use the Hollander’s translation: Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso. A verse translation. Tr. Jean and Robert Hollander. Anchor Books 2002-2004 For the Monarchia: Monarchy, tr. and ed. by P. Shaw, Cambridge University Press 1996
Secondary Literature (an example: more on Moodle)
Last update: Tropia Anna, Ph.D. (27.01.2026)
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Final oral exam or short written essay. More information will be provided in due time. Last update: Tropia Anna, Ph.D. (27.01.2026)
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