Overview

This module will introduce students to the developmental aspects of Western philosophy from the late 4th century CE, beginning with Augustine, until the 16th century, with Renaissance Platonism and Aristotelianism. Through a chronological approach, we will explore various significant themes in the growth of Western philosophy, including faith and reason, logic and language, and epistemology. Exploring the writings of such thinkers as Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Christine de Pizan, Moses Maimonides, and Duns Scotus, we will gain an insight into how certain concepts were evolved during this changeable period in history, as well as how certain lines of thought impacted the subsequent centuries, both in a positive and detrimental way.

The module will offer an overview of the thought and thinkers of the medieval period by focusing on certain key themes, including faith and reason, logic and language, and epistemology.

To coincide with this, we will explore certain thinkers and classes of philosophy that were significant during the medieval period, including Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, Christine de Pizan, Moses Maimonides, Duns Scotus, and Renaissance Platonism and Aristotelianism.

In this respect, we will regularly assess whether these particular developments in philosophy had a positive or negative impact on subsequent schools of thought and societies.

Assessment Strategy

Excellent A- to A*:

Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: - Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent. - Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study. - Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Very Good B- to B+:

Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: - Very good structure and logically developed arguments. - Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. - Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning. - Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Good C- to C +;

Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: - Good structure and logically developed arguments. - At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. - Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning. - Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Threshold: D- to D +:

Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: - Generally accurate but with omissions and errors. - Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning. - Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions. - Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to critically analyse medieval theories in the fields of logic and epistemology.

• Students will demonstrate the ability to abstract, analyse and construct logical argument, employing the techniques of formal and informal methods of reasoning as appropriate, together with an ability to recognise any relevant fallacies.

• Students will develop key analytical skills as they engage with significant writings of noteworthy thinkers of the medieval period.

• Students will exemplify a readiness to review unfamiliar ideas with an open mind and a willingness to critically engage with such views.