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The course will provide an introduction to medieval philosophy through an examination of the ideas of a selection of key figures and a number of key themes, such as: the tension between Platonism and Aristotelianism, the relationship of religion and philosophy, and the question of realism in metaphysics.
1. Overview. An introduction to the main themes, figures and developments in mediaeval philosophy.
2. The Platonic tradition (I): Augustine, Pseudo-Dionysius, Bonaventure.
3. The Platonic tradition (II): Augustine, Pseudo-Dionysius, Bonaventure (continued).
4. Arabic and Jewish sources: al-Farabi, Avicenna, Averroes and Maimonides.
5. Thomas Aquinas: Metaphysics
6. Thomas Aquinas: Moral philosophy.
7. Duns Scotus
8. William of Ockham
9. Scholasticism and its interpretations: Suarez, Neo-Thomism and twentieth century debates.
10. Final discussion. An opportunity to consider the course as a whole and to return to specific issues in the light of that overview.
Each two-hour class will combine short lectures, practical class exercises, and class discussions.
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
Demonstrate a broad knowledge of some key ideas in mediaeval philosophy;
Demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of mediaeval thought and its development over the period;
Use some of the basic skills, techniques and practices associated generally with reading philosophical texts;
Present and evaluate some central arguments and ideas of mediaeval philosophy.
Essential:
Recommended:
Spade, P. 2009. Medieval Philosophy. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy [online]
Coplestone, F.C., 1952. Medieval philosophy. [e-book] London: Methuen.
De Wulf, M., 1922. Mediaeval philosophy illustrated from the system of Thomas Aquinas. [e-book] Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Kenny, A. 2007. Medieval philosophy: a new history of western philosophy vol. 2. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
http://www.lib.ed.ac.uk/resources/databases/findlita.shtml
Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Password access)
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Weekly handouts will be provided giving accounts of key figures and ideas, together with links to primary and secondary sources online. The key points at issue will be highlighted and suggestions made for further research.
10 credit courses have one assessment. Normally, the assessment is a 2000 word essay, worth 100% of the total mark, submitted by week 12. To pass, students must achieve a minimum of 40%. There are a small number of exceptions to this model which are identified in the Studying for Credit Guide.
If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.
If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.
If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.