An introduction to the philosophical thought of the Middle Ages, that is, roughly the period between 500 AD and 1500 AD. The course will focus on several themes to show that many of the philosophical concerns of the present day were also of concern to thinkers of the period. In particular, we will look at the relationship between faith and reason, the nature of human happiness, the question of whether God exists and, if so, whether his existence can be rationally demonstrated, among others topics. Thinkers to be discussed will include St. Augustine (354-430), Peter Abelard (1079-1142), St. Anselm (1033-1109), al-Farabi (ca. 850-ca. 950) and, of course, St. Thomas Aquinas (1224/25-1274).

Course outline [1]