Lezione inaugurale - Romanae Disputationes 2025/26

Introduction to the 13th Edition of Romani Disputazioni

Opening Remarks

• The speaker expresses excitement for the inaugural lesson of the 13th edition of Romani Disputazioni, emphasizing a collective consciousness regarding current events and suffering due to violence and war.

• A call for building a community of justice is made, referencing philosophical teachings from Plato and others as motivation for this gathering.

Event Overview

• The Romani Disputazioni is described as a national philosophy competition organized by API, aimed at deepening philosophical understanding through collaborative efforts outside traditional classrooms.

• Gratitude is extended to over 4,000 students participating remotely due to strikes preventing in-person attendance; appreciation is also shown towards teachers and school administrators for their commitment.

Supporters and Collaborators

• Various institutions supporting the event are acknowledged, including publishing houses, educational foundations, and universities that have contributed over the years.

• Mentioned supporters include Istituto Tognolo, Cimea, Fondazione Gasperi, among others who facilitate philosophical education in Italy.

The Importance of Philosophy in Education

Advocacy for Philosophy

• The speaker introduces Professor Paola Müller who represents both the Department of Philosophy and the Lombard Philosophical Society; she emphasizes engaging youth in philosophical discourse.

• Highlighting the necessity of reasoned dialogue in today's world where humanity seems overlooked; philosophy serves as a means to reconnect with human essence.

Themes Explored in Recent Editions

• Previous themes included reality, time, and values; this year's focus shifts to "the self" or "the I," encouraging deep reflection on personal identity.

Exploring Identity: Key Questions

Central Questions on Identity

• Participants are encouraged to ponder significant questions about identity such as:

• What constitutes an "I"? Is it merely a pronoun or does it signify something deeper?

• Can we define human nature? Is it fixed or shaped by historical contexts?

Engaging with New Formats

• Introduction of new competition categories like duo monologues aims to foster collaborative public discourse among participants.

This structured approach provides clarity on key discussions while allowing easy navigation through timestamps linked directly to relevant sections.

Identity and Uniqueness: A Philosophical Inquiry

Exploring the Nature of Identity

• The speaker questions whether they are merely a biological individual or possess something unique and universal that defines their identity.

• They ponder the sources of identity, asking if it stems from the body, consciousness, memory, or other factors.

• The distinction between 'person' as a legal/social term versus an intrinsic value inherent to every human is raised.

• The speaker reflects on whether self-discovery requires interaction with others or can be achieved in isolation.

• They conclude by questioning if identity is stable or a lifelong task of construction.

Introduction to Professor Stefano Bancalari

• The speaker introduces Professor Stefano Bancalari from Sapienza University, tasked with provoking thought on identity throughout the year leading up to an event in March.

• Gratitude is expressed for Bancalari's presence despite logistical challenges.

Philosophical Engagement

• Bancalari expresses honor at being invited and emphasizes the philosophical nature of engaging in discourse outside formal obligations.

• He acknowledges the abstract nature of their discussion while recognizing its relevance to concrete realities.

Methodology for Discussion

• Bancalari outlines his intention to explore how personal identity can become a philosophical problem through examination and deconstruction.

• He likens this exploration to working in a workshop where questions are taken apart and reassembled for deeper understanding.

Understanding Questions in Philosophy

• The initial question posed about identity seems straightforward but leads into deeper philosophical inquiries about its significance.

• He contrasts ordinary questions aimed at acquiring information with philosophical questions that seek new perspectives on existing knowledge.

• Emphasizing that philosophical inquiry does not simply aim for answers but seeks different interpretations of known information.

Philosophical Inquiry into the Self

The Context of Solitude

• A pastor observes the moon and reflects on immense solitude, questioning his existence within a vast universe that feels empty and unfruitful.

• The poet's question arises from this profound sense of isolation, emphasizing the significance of self-awareness in such a context.

Understanding "I" in Modernity

• The inquiry begins with dissecting the phrase "I who am," highlighting its three essential components.

• The term "I" is straightforward but gains philosophical weight only in modern times, marking a shift in self-perception and identity.

Historical Perspective on Selfhood

• Prior to modernity, questions about the self were not articulated as they are today; classical philosophy focused on concepts like justice or being rather than individual identity.

• Descartes is identified as pivotal for introducing the question of "I" into philosophical discourse, marking a significant evolution in thought.

The Absence of "I" Before Modernity

• The assertion that there was no concept of "I" before modernity challenges traditional views and invites scrutiny regarding historical perceptions of identity.

• This absence implies that earlier inquiries about the soul or humanity differ fundamentally from contemporary discussions about personal identity.

Illustrating Identity Through Art

• An example using two paintings of Christ highlights how perspective influences perception; one lacks an individual viewpoint while the other emphasizes it dramatically.

• In Mantegna's work, perspective creates a more intense emotional response from viewers, illustrating how modern consciousness shapes our understanding of self.

Conclusion: Emergence of Individual Perspective

• The development of perspective in art parallels shifts in self-awareness during modernity; individuals began to perceive themselves as distinct entities with unique viewpoints.

The Evolution of Privacy and Individuality

Historical Context of Public Behavior

• In the past, it was not scandalous for friends to walk together in public spaces like the gardens of Versailles or Caserta, where women would comfortably attend to their needs.

• The modern era introduced separate spaces for privacy, reflecting a growing sense of modesty that led individuals to seek private places for personal activities.

Changes in Domestic Architecture

• Modern architecture evolved to include multiple rooms connected by corridors, allowing inhabitants to maintain privacy while moving through the house.

• This shift illustrates how the concept of individuality began to be perceived as a problem, highlighting a transition in societal norms regarding personal space.

Philosophical Implications of Individuality

• The emergence of individual rights, such as habeas corpus, marked a significant philosophical development where individuals became recognized as subjects with rights within society.

• The uniqueness and irreducibility of the self became philosophically significant, prompting deeper inquiries into what it means to be an individual.

Cartesian Philosophy and Self-Awareness

• The philosophical challenge posed by individuality necessitated that philosophy account for aspects previously considered incidental; this is evident in Descartes' work.

• Descartes famously stated that even if everything else were doubted, the act of thinking confirms one's existence: "Cogito ergo sum" (I think therefore I am).

Doubting Everything: A Foundation for Knowledge

• Descartes posits that even under deception from an all-powerful trickster, one’s ability to doubt affirms their existence. This leads to extensive discussions on interpretation and meaning behind his arguments.

• By questioning everything around him, Descartes arrives at the conclusion that his own thought process is undeniable evidence of his existence.

Responsibility and Certainty in Knowledge

• Descartes emphasizes that knowledge must be founded on certainty derived from one's own reasoning rather than relying on external authorities like Plato or Aristotle.

• He asserts that each individual must take responsibility for their beliefs; thus, self-awareness becomes central to philosophical inquiry.

The Role of 'I' in Knowledge Construction

• According to Descartes, 'I' is not only responsible for asserting knowledge but also serves as the foundation upon which all other truths can be built.

• While everything may be subject to doubt except for one's own capacity to think ('cogito'), this realization invites individuals into a personal journey toward understanding.

The Centrality of the Self in Philosophy

Understanding the Terms: Subject, Individual, Person

• The concept of "self" becomes a central problem in philosophy. The terms subject, individual, and person are often used synonymously with "I," but historically they have different meanings.

• The term "subject" originally meant "that which is underneath," not necessarily linked to modern notions of subjectivity. This invites exploration into how these terms evolved in philosophical history.

The Philosophical Inquiry into the Self

• Descartes is highlighted as a pivotal figure; his philosophy reflects broader lived experiences that extend beyond abstract thought to everyday actions.

• A transition occurs from discussing the self to questioning its essence: “Who am I?” rather than “What am I?” This shift emphasizes deeper philosophical inquiry.

Essence and Existence

• The question “What is it?” (Tiesti?) seeks to uncover essence rather than mere identification. It aligns with fundamental philosophical questions about concepts like good and justice.

• Essence is defined through Aristotle's framework: it combines genus (the general category) and specific difference (what distinguishes an entity).

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Aristotle’s definition of essence involves identifying characteristics that separate one object from others within the same category.

• Recognizing essence allows for significant advantages, such as enhanced understanding and categorization of objects.

Advantages of Understanding Essence

• Identifying essence provides immense benefits; it enables replicability and control over concepts or inventions.

• An example illustrates this: discovering a patent formula allows for unlimited applications across various devices, emphasizing the power of knowing an object's essence.

Control Through Knowledge of Essence

• Understanding essence differs from existence; having knowledge does not guarantee realization or application in reality.

• Gaining insight into an object's essence grants substantial control over identification and classification, enhancing one's ability to discern between similar entities.

Understanding the Essence of the Self

The Importance of Defining "I"

• The concept of "I" is crucial; having a definitive algorithm or formula to identify what constitutes an "I" can be a matter of life and death.

• Historical context: When America was discovered, it was vital to determine if indigenous people were entitled to rights, as denying their humanity allowed for exploitation.

Distinguishing Between Entities

• Differentiating between cells and conscious beings raises significant ethical questions about identity and personhood.

• Concerns arise when individuals develop emotional attachments to AI like ChatGPT, questioning whether these interactions are meaningful or merely illusions.

Legal and Economic Implications

• If ChatGPT generates content, who holds the rights? This raises questions about intellectual property concerning both AI-generated work and existing texts used for training.

Seeking the Essence of Identity

• Finding the essence of self is essential; once identified, it provides a stable reference point for understanding one's existence over time.

• A reliable essence allows one to maintain ownership (patents, ideas), ensuring continuity in identity across different contexts.

Philosophical Perspectives on Identity

• The quest for a generative formula that defines "I" leads into philosophical discussions about consciousness and memory as core components of personal identity.

John Locke's Contribution

• Locke proposed that personal identity hinges on awareness and memory rather than physical form. His arguments suggest that consciousness is key to defining selfhood.

Thought Experiment by Locke

• Locke's thought experiment illustrates that if a prince's consciousness inhabits a cobbler’s body, they remain the same person due to shared memories and awareness.

Cultural Reflections on Identity

• The TV series Travelers exemplifies Locke's theories by depicting time travelers who transfer their consciousness into past bodies, exploring themes of identity across time.

Narrative Mechanisms and Identity

The Concept of Identity in Narrative

• The series discussed employs a narrative mechanism where identity is transported from the future to the past to resolve extraordinary situations. This concept predates contemporary discussions, possibly even before Locke's time.

Philosophical Implications of Identity

• The speaker draws parallels with other series like Black Mirror, highlighting that philosophical opinions on identity can be contested. The post-Lockean narrative illustrates the complexity of defining essence.

Hume's Critique of Essence

• Hume challenges Locke’s notion of essence, suggesting that if one reproduces an essence elsewhere, it raises questions about whether true individuality is maintained or if identity becomes replaceable.

Defining 'Self' and Its Challenges

• Attempting to define the essence of self may lead to a priori failure; treating essence as a tangible object risks losing sight of what makes individual identity unique and irreplaceable.

The Illusion of Self

Jung's Perspective on Identity

• Many philosophers argue that the self is an illusion we must relinquish, aligning with Jung’s views. However, this perspective leads to further philosophical exploration rather than resolution.

Alternative Approaches to Understanding Self

• An alternative approach termed "phenomenological" offers a different lens through which to view identity, moving beyond mere destruction or deconstruction of the self.

Phenomenology and Its Questions

Understanding Phenomena vs. Categories

• Phenomenology focuses on interpreting phenomena based on existing categories versus constructing new categories tailored for clarity regarding specific phenomena like identity.

Reevaluating the Search for 'Self'

• The challenge lies in determining whether the absence of 'self' indicates its non-existence or stems from using inappropriate tools for understanding it—akin to searching for sound with a magnifying glass instead of listening.

Philosophical Reflections on Existence and Essence

The Oscillation of Questions in Philosophy

• The discussion begins with the observation that Descartes oscillates between two fundamental questions: "Who am I?" and "What am I?" This reflects a deeper philosophical inquiry into identity and existence.

• The speaker references a significant work by a central phenomenologist, emphasizing the complexity of his assertion regarding existence: "The essence of being-there consists in its existence." Here, 'being-there' is equated to 'I.'

Understanding Essence and Existence

• A critical reinterpretation is presented where the essence of 'I' is said to lie in its existence. This challenges traditional ontological categories, suggesting that essence cannot be separated from existence.

• The speaker argues that if one does not find the essence of 'I,' it indicates a fundamental risk inherent in understanding one's identity. This perspective posits that essence is dynamic rather than static.

Time's Role in Defining Identity

• The notion that time influences the definition of 'I' is introduced, contrasting classical views which treat essence as unchanging. In this framework, time becomes integral to understanding personal identity.

• It is asserted that each individual's experience ('being-there') is unique; thus, no universal essence can be replicated or generalized across different existences. Each person must engage with their own existential risks.

Responsibility in Philosophical Discourse

• Engaging with philosophy requires personal accountability; one cannot simply repeat learned material without comprehension. The importance of authentic engagement with ideas is emphasized through an analogy about academic rigor.

• A reference to Paul Ricœur highlights the necessity for distinct conceptual frameworks when discussing different entities (e.g., objects vs persons), reinforcing the complexity involved in defining selfhood and identity within philosophical discourse.

Reconceiving Selfhood

• Drawing from Leopardi's poetry, the speaker suggests that 'I' should not be viewed as contained within a space but rather as constitutive of space itself—an idea challenging conventional notions of individuality and separateness.

• Ultimately, this leads to questioning how we articulate our perspectives ('I') when discussing broader concepts like being or existence—highlighting an ongoing philosophical challenge regarding subjectivity and observation.

Philosophical Perspectives on the Self

The Challenge of Understanding the Self

• The speaker introduces a complex issue regarding the self, referencing philosopher Magnuelle Vinasse to highlight the intricacies involved in discussing one's own identity.

• A quote from Levinas is presented, emphasizing that the notion of "face" opens new perspectives and leads to an understanding of meaning that exists independently of personal initiative or power.

• The concept of "face" signifies not just physical appearance but also represents encountering another perspective, suggesting that one can view themselves through different lenses.

Exploring Multiple Perspectives

• An analogy is drawn using Mantegna's depiction of Christ, illustrating how multiple perspectives can alter one's understanding and perception of self.

• The speaker reflects on Cartesian cogito, noting that addressing questions about oneself requires relinquishing some control over personal narrative, making it a challenging endeavor.

Leopardi's Inquiry into Identity

• The discussion shifts to poet Leopardi, who poses existential questions about his identity while reflecting on external viewpoints like that of the moon, which does not provide answers or a clear identity.

• It is emphasized that asking questions about oneself must be done in the first person; however, finding answers cannot solely rely on individual introspection.

Conclusion and Philosophical Challenges Ahead

• Gratitude is expressed towards Professor Bancalari for initiating this philosophical dialogue. Participants are encouraged to engage thoughtfully as they embark on their intellectual journey together.

• The speaker outlines upcoming challenges related to philosophical inquiry and collaboration among participants in producing written works and creative projects within defined parameters.

Engaging with Philosophy Practically

• Details are provided regarding collaborative efforts aimed at creating philosophical papers and videos without identifiable markers to encourage creativity and originality among students.

• New categories for participation are introduced, including duo monologues and regulated disputes designed to foster engagement with philosophy in educational settings.

• Information about prizes for winners emphasizes recognition through philosophical literature rather than material rewards, reinforcing the value placed on intellectual contributions.

This structured overview captures key discussions surrounding identity exploration within philosophical contexts while providing timestamps for easy reference back to specific moments in the transcript.

Understanding the Role of Philosophy in Self-Discovery

The Importance of Philosophy

• Philosophy is portrayed as a vital tool for self-understanding, suggesting that those who cannot engage with it may miss out on personal knowledge.

• This discussion hints at philosophical education being essential not just academically but also for personal growth and societal contribution.

Educational Initiatives and Collaborations

• Acknowledgment of partnerships, particularly with Fondazione Rui, which supports merit-based educational initiatives across Italy.

• Introduction of a mentoring project called "Universitas," aimed at pairing university mentors with students to enhance their academic journey.

Innovative Learning Experiences

• Announcement of unique educational experiences such as the New York Summer School, emphasizing immersive philosophical learning through visits and interactions in Manhattan.

• Launching a philosophical walking event from Velia to Pestum, combining nature with philosophy over nine to ten days under expert guidance.

Orientation Month and Community Engagement

• Promotion of February as "Orientation Month," offering free sessions designed to enrich school orientation programs for students interested in furthering their education.

Creative Projects and Societal Impact

• Introduction of various creative projects including an Academy for Video Making focused on civic education related to borders, alongside a writing contest linked to literature and narrative podcasts.

Conclusion: The Broader Vision

• Closing remarks express gratitude towards contributors while emphasizing the transformative potential of philosophy in fostering community connections and individual understanding.