A Brief History of Medieval Philosophy II

Description 

This course will provide an overview of the history of philosophy in the Latin West during the millennium that stretches from the 6th century to the 15th century. This epoch , as everyone knows, is characterized by the decisive influence of Christian faith on the cultural and doctrinal life of the West. We should begin by noting that the Middle Ages, according to some, forms a parenthesis — something like a void — in the history o f philosophy. And in light of this, we should ask: Can we be both Christians and genuine philosophers? Are faith and philosophy mutually exclusive, or not?

Table of Contents

Seventh Lesson: Saint Bonaventure

A. The Mind’s Route to God

B. Philosophy and Christian Wisdom

Eighth Lesson: Saint Thomas Aquinas

A. Nature and Grace

B. Faith and Reason According to the Summa contra Gentiles

Ninth Lesson: Radical Aristotelianism

Tenth Lesson: The Turning Point of 1277 and the Movement of Doctrine in the Late 13th century

A. Consequences of the Condemnation of 1277

B. The Doctrinal Traditions at the End of the 13th Century

Eleventh Lesson: John Duns Scotus

A. Philosophy and Theology

B. Metaphysics as Ontology

C. The Interpretation of the Decalogue

Twelfth Lesson: Doctrinal Life in the Order of Preachers in the 14 th Century

A. The Vicissitudes of Thomism

B. Meister Eckhart and Rhenish Mysticism

Thirteenth Lesson: William of Ockham and the Movement of Doctrine at the End of the Middle Ages

A. William of Ockham

B. The Movement of Doctrine at the End of the Middle Ages