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Scholasticism: An Introduction to Medieval Philosophy - CED00229C

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  • Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Simon Skempton
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

This module provides an introduction to medieval philosophy. This will involve studying the ideas of
philosophers such as Abelard, Anselm, Aquinas, Duns Scotus, William of Ockham and others. The issues they discussed included the relationship between faith and reason, arguments for God’s existence, the difference between divine and created nature, the metaphysical status of universal concepts, and the nature of individuation. The course will also look at the influence of medieval Arabic philosophers, late medieval mystics who are steeped in the Scholastic tradition, such as Meister Eckhart and Nicholas of Cusa, and the legacy and influence of Scholasticism on later philosophy.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Summer Term 2023-24

Module aims

This module provides an introduction to medieval philosophy. This will involve studying the ideas of
philosophers such as Abelard, Anselm, Aquinas, Duns Scotus, William of Ockham and others. The issues they discussed included the relationship between faith and reason, arguments for God’s existence, the difference between divine and created nature, the metaphysical status of universal concepts, and the nature of individuation. The course will also look at the influence of medieval Arabic philosophers, late medieval mystics who are steeped in the Scholastic tradition, such as Meister Eckhart and Nicholas of Cusa, and the legacy and influence of Scholasticism on later philosophy.

Module learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate an understanding of a selection of key texts from Scholasticism and associated thinkers.
• Compare and contrast different approaches to some of the issues raised by Scholasticism.
• Analyse and evaluate a selection of key texts written by the Scholastics and associated thinkers.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Analytic essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Analytic essay		 N/A 100

Module feedback

The tutor will give regular individual verbal and written feedback throughout the module on work submitted. The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings.

Indicative reading

  • John Marenbon, Medieval Philosophy: An Historical and Philosophical Introduction (London: Routledge, 2007).
  • B. V. Foltz (ed.), Medieval Philosophy: A Multicultural Reader (London: Bloomsbury, 2019)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.