The course will focus on the major themes of Ancient Greek philosophy and on major philosophers of Medieval Christianity. The question with which the Ancient Greek philosophy starts—What does the universe consist of?—will be discussed in the context of pre-Socratic philosophy as well as Plato’s, Aristotle’s and Plotinus’ as well as Epicurean thought. The question—What can we know?—will be discussed in the context of Plato’s and Plotinus’ theory of ideas and Aristotle’s and Stoics’ epistemological doctrines. The question—What is good (and evil)?—will be discussed in the context of Plato’s, Aristotle, Stoic and Epicurean thought. The influence of Ancient Greek philosophy will be traced in the teaching of the two great Christian thinkers – St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. The difference in their approach to philosophy to that of Ancient Greek thinkers will be a separate topic of discussion.

CILO-1: Engage in (self-)critical, nuanced and informed reasoning . CILO-2: Show an understanding of the main figures and schools of Ancient and Medieval European philosophy. CILO-3: Be sensitive to the differences between ancient Western and East-Asian philosophical traditions.