ATS3171 · Medieval philosophy: Jews, Christians and Muslims on Plato and Aristotle

Overview

This unit explores the major traditions that flourished and dominated the philosophical landscape of the Middle Ages (here referring especially to the 9th-14th centuries). Tracing the transmission of philosophical texts among Muslims, Jews, and Christians in centres such as Baghdad, Cordoba, Toledo, and Italy/Sicily, this unit focuses on the reception and development of Neoplatonic and Aristotelian traditions. Topics covered may include: the nature of divinity and reality (metaphysics); creation vs emanation; negative theology; reason and revelation; soul; intellect; evil; political philosophy. Philosophers covered may include: From the Islamic tradition: Al Kindi, Al Farabi, Ibn Sina, Al Ghazali, Ibn Tufayl, Ibn Rushd; from the Jewish tradition: Saadia Gaon, Solomon Ibn Gabirol, Bahya ibn Paquda, Judah ha-Levi, Moses Maimonides; and from the Christian tradition: Albertus Magnus, Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure, Duns Scotus. We will also consider the way in which mystics from each tradition incorporated and modified aspects of the philosophical heritage through the Zohar, Meister Eckhart, and Ibn al Arabi. Throughout we will focus on the rich intellectual cross-fertilisation that characterised the medieval philosophical world. The unit concludes by considering the importance of this cultural exchange for the Renaissance through the figure of Pico della Mirandola and his Oration on the Dignity of Man.

Areas of study: Jewish studies Religious studies History

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

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Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Identify the central themes and concepts, key texts, and major philosophers of the medieval philosophical traditions
2. Evaluate the encounter between Greek wisdom and the Abrahamic monotheistic traditions
3. Discuss the extent of intellectual cross-fertilisation across Judaism, Christianity and Islam in the medieval period
4. Discuss the complexity of currents informing the western philosophical tradition
5. Critically analyse primary texts across a range of philosophical topics in medieval philosophy
6. Formulate philosophical reflections and articulate well-reasoned arguments orally and in writing.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.