161-229 Love, Death and the Body in Medieval Philosophical Thought

Note

Available as 161-329 at 3rd-year level.

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

One first-year single-semester Philosophy subject. Students who lack this prerequisite, but believe themselves adequately prepared to attempt any second/third year subjects, should consult the Head of Department.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Thinking about human nature, the body, sex, death and the possibility of a transcendent dimension to life is still heavily influenced by medieval thought. This influence will be examined and criticised through a study of a range of philosophical texts. Students will gain the ability to understand and criticise philosophical texts from the fifth to the thirteenth century and bring to the investigation of certain contemporary philosophical problems an informed sense of the contributions made to their solution in the middle ages.

Assessment

One 2-hour end-of-semester examination, an assignment of no more than 3000 words, and regular attendance and participation in tutorials.