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PHL216Arts Unitsintermediate

Medieval Philosophy

This course introduces students to the major themes and figures in Medieval Philosophy. It explores the development of Christian thought, the problem of faith and reason, and arguments for the existence of God. Students will examine the philosophies of key thinkers such as Augustine, Plotinus, Anselm, and Aquinas, and their contributions to metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. The course also covers Islamic and Jewish philosophers and their impact on medieval thought.

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120h
Study Time
13
Weeks
9h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Medieval PhilosophyFaith and ReasonExistence of GodSt. AugustineSt. Thomas Aquinas

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Development of Christian Thought

2

Problem of Faith and Reason

3

Arguments for God's Existence

4

The Problem of Evil

5

Human Suffering

6

Immortality of the Soul

7

Aristotle's Philosophy

8

Islamic Philosophy

9

Jewish Philosophy

10

Political Philosophy

11

Moral Philosophy

Total Topics11 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (5 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

computer-based tests

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

discussion forums

Team-based learning and peer interaction

Group Work

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Philosopher

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Theologian

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Religious Studies Scholar

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Ethics Consultant

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Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AcademiaReligious OrganizationsGovernmentNon-profit SectorEthics and Compliance

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

2h

Unit 1: The Development of Christian Thought

2 study hours
  • •Read about the encounter between Greek and Christian thought.
  • •Understand the problem of reconciling faith and reason.
  • •Study the thoughts of Justin Martyr and Clement of Alexandria.
Week
2

Module 1:

2h

Unit 2: The Philosophy of Plotinus

2 study hours
  • •Study Plotinus' short biography.
  • •Understand the Doctrine of the One.
  • •Learn about Plotinus' views on the Spirit, Soul, Problem of Evil, and Human Suffering.
Week
3

Module 1:

2h

Unit 3: The Philosophy of St. Augustine

2 study hours
  • •Study St. Augustine's short biography.
  • •Understand St. Augustine's epistemology.
  • •Learn about St. Augustine's metaphysics: God's Existence, Creation, Freedom, Problem of Evil, Time.
Week
4

Module 1:

2h

Unit 4: Boethius

2 study hours
  • •Study Boethius' short biography.
  • •Understand Boethius' philosophy.
  • •Learn about Boethius' thoughts on human freedom and God's foreknowledge.
Week
5

Module 1:

2h

Unit 5: St. Anselm

2 study hours
  • •Study St. Anselm's short biography.
  • •Understand St. Anselm's contribution to philosophy.
  • •Learn about St. Anselm's Ontological Argument for God's existence.
Week
6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: The Philosophy of John Scotus Erigena

2 study hours
  • •Study John Scotus Erigena's short biography.
  • •Understand John Scotus Erigena's metaphysics.
  • •Learn about Erigena on the nature of the human person.
Week
7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: The Philosophy of Peter Abelard

2 study hours
  • •Study Peter Abelard's short biography.
  • •Understand Peter Abelard's philosophical teachings.
  • •Learn about Abelard's thoughts on the importance of intention as a determinant factor for the wrongness or rightness of man's actions.
Week
8

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: The Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas

2 study hours
  • •Study St. Thomas Aquinas' short biography.
  • •Understand Aquinas' metaphysics.
  • •Learn about Aquinas' epistemology and moral philosophy.
Week
9

Module 3:

2h

Unit 2: The Philosophy of St. Bonaventure

2 study hours
  • •Study St. Bonaventure's short biography.
  • •Understand St. Bonaventure's metaphysics.
  • •Learn about St. Bonaventure's epistemology.
Week
10

Module 3:

4h

Unit 3: Duns Scotus

2 study hours
  • •Study John Duns Scotus' short biography.
  • •Understand John Duns Scotus' metaphysics.
  • •Learn about John Duns Scotus' epistemology.

Unit 4: The Philosophy of William of Ockham

2 study hours
  • •Study William of Ockham's short biography.
  • •Understand Ockham's Razor.
  • •Learn about William Ockham's metaphysics and epistemology.
Week
11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 5: Francis Suarez

2 study hours
  • •Study Francis Suarez' short biography.
  • •Understand Francis Suarez' metaphysics.
  • •Learn about Francis Suarez' philosophy of law and political philosophy.
Week
12

Module 4:

4h

Unit 1: The Philosophy of Al-Farabi

2 study hours
  • •Study Al-Farabi's short biography.
  • •Understand Al-Farabi's metaphysics.
  • •Learn about Al-Farabi's political and moral philosophy.

Unit 2: The Philosophy of Avicenna

2 study hours
  • •Study Avicenna's short biography.
  • •Understand Avicenna's metaphysics.
  • •Learn about Avicenna's epistemology.
Week
13

Module 4:

4h

Unit 3: The Philosophy of Averroes

2 study hours
  • •Study Averroes' short biography.
  • •Understand Averroes' metaphysics.
  • •Learn about Averroes' epistemology.

Unit 4: The Philosophy of Moses Maimonides

2 study hours
  • •Study Moses Maimonides' short biography.
  • •Understand Moses Maimonides' epistemology.
  • •Learn about Moses Maimonides' metaphysics.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create timelines of key philosophers and their major works.

2

Develop concept maps linking faith, reason, and arguments for God's existence.

3

Compare and contrast the views of different philosophers on the problem of evil.

4

Practice essay questions on the relationship between philosophy and religion.

5

Review key terms and concepts from each unit weekly.

6

Focus on understanding the core arguments and their historical context.

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