Philosophy of space and dwelling

The course explores the concept of space through the works of philosopher Michel Foucault, paying particular attention to the relationship between space and power. Starting from the analysis of the conceptual foundations outlined in the book Discipline and Punish, the historical construction of modern power will be examined, focusing on the architecture of the panopticon. Subsequently, the problem of the historical construction of knowledge will be addressed, as discussed by Foucault in The Archaeology of Knowledge and The Order of Discourse, in relation to the analysis of “scopic regimes” proposed by Martin Jay. Additionally, starting from Foucault’s book Madness and Civilization, the cultural and social history of the concept of madness and its treatment will be discussed, analysing the relationship between medical-psychiatric knowledge, power, and architecture. Finally, the reception and implementation of these theories by the psychiatrist Franco Basaglia in Italy will be examined.

The course aims to explore the concept of space from a historical-philosophical perspective. It seeks to highlight the historical-cultural and political processes at play in the experience and production of space and to show the interweaving of knowledge, power, and architecture. The course aims to provide critical tools for understanding and interpreting contemporary spatiality through a combination of lectures, presentations, and debates.

In presence

The lectures will be alternated with student presentations. The presentations will be done by groups of two people who will prepare a text based on the bibliography provided during the previous lesson. They will last 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of debate. Active participation during the debate will be positively evaluated.

The presentation during the course is mandatory to access the oral exam, which will consist of submitting a paper (two weeks before the exam date) related to the topics of the presentation, along with some questions regarding it and the course topics.