This course is an introduction to ancient and medieval philosophy for theology students who have had little or no philosophy. In this course, we will focus both on understanding key philosophical concepts relevant to theology and on developing philosophical skills. Each class will consist of a lecture on a thorny philosophical question and a tutorial in which students actively work on acquiring and practicing philosophical skills. Throughout, philosophy is seen as a series of interpersonal communications (= asking good questions and formulating intelligent answers) rather than as a series of dogmatic pronouncements.
Authors to be studied include Plato, Aristotle, the Epicureans, the Stoics, the Skeptics, Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Luther and Machiavelli.