Philosophy. Study the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality and existence.

In this course, we will consider the literature of Dante and the role of sex and sin in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (1387–1400). Together, we will enter into the strange world of the medieval mind, walking with angels and beasts.

We will also consider the contribution of Islamic and Jewish philosophy; much of the science done in the Middle Ages comes from non-Christian thinkers. In the area of political philosophy, we will consider a range of thinkers from Aquinas to Machiavelli. Finally, we will explore the rise of universities from the 12th century, and Renaissance Humanism in the 14th and 15th centuries.

We will discuss major philosophers including Anselm, Bonaventure, Duns Scotus and Ockham.

Aims

The aim of this course is to enter into the strange world of the medieval mind, walking with angels and beasts.

Outcomes

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

• identify the main aspects of philosophical ideas in the Medieval period
• situate the philosophical ideas in their historical contexts
• discuss some of the issues raised by the Scholastic and Humanist philosophers.

Content

Introduction to Medieval history, ideas and philosophy

This week’s class introduce some of the key thinkers in the course and historically situates their development. The con