Presentation
The Department of Philosophy, Social, Human and Educational Sciences (FiSSUF) was established in 2013 following a major process of reorganisation of the academic structures in Perugia involved in the study of the Humanities. At the time of its foundation, the Department brought together a range of disciplines that had previously been distributed across different academic areas and Faculties.
This decision marked a crucial milestone in the development of the Humanities at the University, leading to the creation of a distinctive interdisciplinary environment integrating philosophy, psychology, social sciences, educational sciences, and demo-ethno-anthropological disciplines. The objective was to enhance the specific contribution of each field while simultaneously fostering constructive and productive dialogue, capable of providing cultural tools and an academic offer suited to addressing the challenges of contemporary society.
Over the years, FiSSUF has consolidated its position as one of the most dynamic departments within the University, distinguishing itself as a “space of sharing and unity in diversity”. In doing so, it has strengthened its institutional identity and contributed to maintaining and further enhancing the quality of teaching, integrated research, and activities aimed at the dissemination of knowledge.
Mission
In the area of TEACHING, FiSSUF offers a broad range of academic programmes, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and single-cycle degrees programmes, alongside three Doctoral Programmes, a School of Specialisation, and a substantial provision of advanced and continuing education, with a particular commitment to teacher education.
These programmes are characterised by a strong interdisciplinary orientation and a close attention to interpersonal dynamics, inclusion, and the promotion of health and well-being. Students are guided towards the analysis of social phenomena, migration processes, and issues of security, as well as towards a critical engagement with major philosophical, ethical, and cultural issues.
The Department has enhanced its analytical capacity, theoretical development, and practical engagement in educational and pedagogical contexts, spanning both formal schooling and non-formal learning environments.
With regard to RESEARCH, the Department is distinguished by its ability to enhance relational networks and to recognise its scientific and cultural expertise as a central component of all research initiatives.. Research groups are well-structured with a robust interdisciplinary and international outreach; they have obtained significant recognition and external funding, contributing to the consolidation of FiSSUF as a point of reference at both local and international levels.
The THIRD MISSION sees the Department actively engaged in establishing stable relationships with schools, local authorities, institutions, businesses, professional bodies, and a broad range of social actors. These activities have generated positive outcomes in terms of FiSSUF’s visibility and societal impact.
Dialogue with civil society revolves around key themes such as inclusion, health and wellbeing protection, cultural heritage enhancement, and public engagement combined with the application of traditional knowledge in the human sciences. In this way, FiSSUF fully embraces its role in the University as a cultural and social driver, generating value and progress for the community through the dissemination of humanistic knowledge.
The guiding principle underpinning the Department’s vision is Cooperation, the drivinf force of our community's growth, capable of meeting future challenges and making FiSSUF an increasingly dynamic community of research, study, and organisation, characterised by a participatory style that embraces shared responsibility and commitments, serving a reality that is ever more inclusive, innovative, and person-centred.
Meaningful and lasting results, together with new perspectives in education, research, and scientific development, can be achieved only through cooperation, shared responsibility, and the equitable and strategic use of resources.
Furthermore, cooperation holds a profound ethical value: it represents a deep cultural and social dimension that forms the true foundation of civilisation. Civilisational progress does not depend solely on knowledge or technological advancement, but above all on people’s ability to work together, collectively addressing challenges and fostering solidarity. Cooperation is rooted in a network of relationships based on trust, mutual respect, and responsibility towards others. It is this capacity for collaboration that allows societies to overcome difficulties, disputes, challenges, and even conflicts, and to build a more cohesive and supportive social fabric.