This thesis opts to explore the theme of the transmission of trauma across generations in three literary works by three Italian women authors. By the way of a narratological, contextual and...Show moreThis thesis opts to explore the theme of the transmission of trauma across generations in three literary works by three Italian women authors. By the way of a narratological, contextual and comparative analysis we will be considering the significance of the theme in the novels Cenere by Grazia Deledda (1904), Una donna by Sibilla Aleramo (1906) and La casa nel vicolo by Maria Messina (1921); while also examining the plot, themes, endings and structure through a historic-contextual lens.Show less
In this paper, I criticize a common feature found in theories of moral responsibility, namely that moral responsibility (MR) is supposed to be a property of agents. It shall be argued that MR...Show moreIn this paper, I criticize a common feature found in theories of moral responsibility, namely that moral responsibility (MR) is supposed to be a property of agents. It shall be argued that MR should instead be thought of as a different type of quality. On my account, moral responsibility is an attribute that can be correctly ascribed to agents. I establish firstly four desiderata used to evaluate the adequacy of any theory of moral responsibility. Using these, I argue that neither libertarian nor compatibilist theories of free will provide a sure bulwark of moral responsibility as a property. This, combined with the rationale involving the problematic nature of this property, leads me to a conclusion similar to that of the hard determinist: the property of moral responsibility cannot exist. However, in order to avoid responsibility nihilism that follows from this moral responsibility scepticism, I propose that MR may exist as an attribute that can be correctly ascribed to human and non-human agents by following fair rules. Finally, I opt to explain why such account of attributive moral responsibility (AMR) provides a more adequate response to the desiderata than rival accounts.Show less
Can we be free and morally responsible in a determined world? One of the main debates about this question is between the compatibilists and the incompatibilists. The compatibilists state that we...Show moreCan we be free and morally responsible in a determined world? One of the main debates about this question is between the compatibilists and the incompatibilists. The compatibilists state that we can be free and responsible in a determined world, where the incompatibilists state that we can’t be free in a determined world, and need to find a different solution. In this paper I will answer the question: Which of the two views has a more adequate attitude towards free will and responsibility in a determined world? I will come to the conclusion that we can't be free in a determined world, but that this doesn't mean we can't be held responsible for our actions.Show less
