Scholasticism: An Introduction to Medieval Philosophy - CED00229C
- Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
- Credit value: 10 credits
- Credit level: C
-
Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
- See module specification for other years: 2026-27
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.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
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)