Scholasticism: An Introduction to Medieval Philosophy - CED00229C

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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

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	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)