Classics – Medieval Philosophy (Minor)
Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences Type: Minor
The Classics – Medieval Philosophy (Minor) program focuses on the philosophical traditions of the Middle Ages, exploring the development of thought in both the Christian, Islamic, and Jewish traditions. This minor delves into the works of key medieval philosophers like Augustine, Aquinas, Avicenna, and Maimonides, examining how they grappled with questions of metaphysics, ethics, faith, and reason, as well as their influence on modern philosophical and theological thought.
Key Learning Outcomes
Historical Understanding: Gain an understanding of the key philosophical developments during the medieval period, including the fusion of classical philosophy with religious traditions.
Faith and Reason: Explore the ongoing medieval debate about the relationship between faith and reason, and the role of philosophy in theology.
Ethical and Metaphysical Thought: Study medieval conceptions of ethics, morality, and the nature of reality, and how these ideas shaped later Western and Islamic philosophical traditions.
Philosophical Analysis: Develop skills in analyzing and interpreting medieval philosophical texts, understanding their arguments and the historical contexts in which they were written.
Comparative Philosophy: Compare the philosophical traditions of the Latin Christian, Jewish, and Islamic thinkers and their intellectual contributions to the medieval world.
Core Curriculum
The Classics – Medieval Philosophy (Minor) provides students with a broad overview of the key figures and ideas that defined medieval philosophy, as well as the intellectual currents that shaped the period.
Foundational Courses
Introduction to Medieval Philosophy
A survey course that introduces students to the major themes, figures, and debates in medieval philosophy, focusing on how medieval thinkers engaged with the philosophical heritage of the ancient world.
Philosophy and Theology in the Middle Ages
Exploration of the ways in which philosophy and theology were intertwined during the medieval period, with a particular focus on the relationship between faith and reason.
Augustine and Early Medieval Thought
Study of the philosophy of Saint Augustine, one of the most influential figures in early medieval thought, including his views on ethics, knowledge, and the nature of God.
Intermediate Courses
Medieval Metaphysics and Epistemology
Examination of key metaphysical and epistemological issues in medieval philosophy, such as the nature of being, the problem of universals, and the theory of knowledge.
Thomas Aquinas and Scholasticism
In-depth study of the works of Thomas Aquinas, particularly his synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology, and the development of Scholasticism.
Islamic and Jewish Medieval Philosophy
Exploration of the contributions of Islamic and Jewish philosophers during the medieval period, focusing on thinkers such as Avicenna, Averroes, and Maimonides, and their interactions with Greek philosophy.
The Problem of Evil in Medieval Philosophy
Study of the medieval debate over the existence of evil, focusing on thinkers like Augustine, Boethius, and Thomas Aquinas, and their attempts to reconcile the existence of evil with an all-powerful and benevolent God.
Advanced Courses
Mysticism and Philosophy in the Middle Ages
Analyzing the mystical traditions of medieval philosophers such as Meister Eckhart and John of the Cross, exploring their views on the relationship between the soul, God, and ultimate reality.
Philosophical Theology: Medieval Approaches
A deep dive into the ways medieval philosophers used reason to explore theological concepts, such as the existence of God, the nature of the soul, and the problem of divine providence.
Medieval Philosophy and Modern Thought
Examining the ways in which medieval philosophical ideas influenced the Renaissance, early modern thought, and contemporary philosophy, particularly in ethics, metaphysics, and political theory.
Capstone Project or Paper (Optional)
A final research project or paper that allows students to engage in a detailed exploration of a specific topic or philosopher from medieval philosophy.
Skills Acquired
Critical Reading and Interpretation: Develop the ability to read and interpret complex philosophical texts from the medieval period, understanding the arguments, contexts, and implications.
Logical and Analytical Thinking: Hone logical reasoning and analytical skills by engaging with intricate metaphysical and theological debates.
Historical and Cultural Awareness: Gain insight into the historical and cultural contexts of medieval philosophy, particularly the interactions between different religious traditions.
Ethical and Theological Reasoning: Develop the ability to engage with ethical and theological questions from a medieval perspective, analyzing how these issues were addressed by medieval philosophers.
Research and Writing: Enhance research and writing skills, particularly the ability to conduct independent research in philosophy and present complex ideas clearly.
Career Opportunities
While the Classics – Medieval Philosophy (Minor) is not designed to be directly vocational, the skills and insights gained from the study of medieval philosophy can prepare students for a variety of careers that require critical thinking, analysis, and a deep understanding of cultural and intellectual history. Potential career paths include:
Academia/Researcher
Further study in philosophy, theology, or history, leading to a career in teaching or research in these areas.
Philosophy Consultant
Providing consulting services in ethics, particularly in fields such as healthcare, technology, or law, where ethical questions have historical and philosophical underpinnings.
Law
Pursuing a legal career, where skills in argumentation, logic, and ethical reasoning developed through medieval philosophy are highly valuable.
Public Policy and Government
Applying philosophical reasoning to the creation of policies, particularly those related to ethics, justice, and the public good.
Writer/Editor
Writing for academic journals, publishing houses, or media outlets, with a focus on philosophy, history, or cultural commentary.
Nonprofit and Advocacy Work
Working in nonprofit organizations or advocacy groups, particularly those dealing with issues of ethics, justice, and human rights.
Religious Studies
Pursuing careers in religious institutions or interfaith dialogue, where an understanding of medieval religious philosophy is valuable.
Museum and Cultural Institutions
Engaging with the preservation and interpretation of medieval philosophical works in museums, archives, and cultural heritage institutions.
Why Choose This Program?
Historical Significance: Medieval philosophy played a key role in shaping modern Western thought, and this minor provides insight into that intellectual legacy.
Intellectual Development: The program develops critical thinking, reasoning, and ethical analysis, skills that are highly valued in many fields.
Interdisciplinary Relevance: Medieval philosophy connects with various disciplines, including theology, ethics, politics, and history, offering a broad intellectual perspective.
Cross-Cultural Understanding: By studying Islamic, Jewish, and Christian philosophers, students gain a broader understanding of the philosophical traditions that shaped the medieval world.
Timeless Ethical Questions: The moral and theological questions explored in medieval philosophy remain relevant today, providing students with tools to engage with contemporary ethical issues.
Conclusion
The Classics – Medieval Philosophy (Minor) offers a rich and intellectually stimulating exploration of the philosophical traditions of the Middle Ages. By studying the key figures and schools of thought from this period, students gain valuable skills in logical reasoning, historical analysis, and ethical reflection, all of which are applicable to a wide range of academic and professional fields. Whether pursuing a career in academia, law, policy, or writing, this minor provides a deep and enduring understanding of the intellectual foundations that continue to influence contemporary philosophy and thought.
