Aims

By the end of this course, the student will be able to put to use certain working tools of Medieval philosophy and research, especially with respect to the works of St. Thomas Aquinas. The student should be able to: comment on a text not looked at in class applying the methodological principles studied during the course; to comment on the overarching structures of St. Thomas' thought; and to undertake a more detailed research project on a topic of his or her choice.

Main themes

The course will focus on teaching the Scholastic method in addressing philosophical questions, give an overall survey of the historical and philosophical context within which Thomas' thought flourished, and provide a method for analyzing Thomistic texts.
We shall also attempt to create a dialogue between Thomas' thought and Modern and Contemporary thought.

Content and teaching methods

The content of the course changes from year to year. Each year, we shall choose an important aspect of Thomistic thought-his practical philosophy, his discussion of truth or of aesthetics, etc.-and, from within this specific context, we will illustrate Thomas' method for addressing these questions and how he incorporates them into his philosophy as a whole.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Assessment:

Oral exam with written preparation of one question by the student.

Supporting material:

Class notes, text package, bibliography, book summarizing the course to read for the exam.

Other credits in programs