Introduction to Philosophy

Module Description

The module is divided into two units. The first unit is Philosophy and theology and it presents many of the reasons in favour of studying philosophy, gives a survey of how philosophy might relate to theology and provides a breakdown of the main parts of philosophy.

The second unit is Greek and medieval philosophy. It explores ancient Greek philosophy as foundational for the western philosophical tradition. The unit then examines medieval philosophy which developed Greek philosophy further. The Greeks were the founders of the western philosophical tradition and the shadow of their work falls on all subsequent philosophy and brought it into direct contact with theology. The unit deals specifically with two great philosopher-theologians of the Christian tradition, Augustine (354-430 CE) and Aquinas (1225-1274 CE).

Indicative bibliography

BLACKBURN, Simon. The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, Oxford: University Press, 1996.
DAVIES, Brian. Aquinas, London: Continuum, 2002.
KENNY, Anthony (editor). The Oxford Illustrated History of Western Philosophy, Oxford: University Press, 1994.
NAGEL, Thomas. What Does It All Mean? Oxford: University Press, 1987.
NICHOLS, Aidan. Discovering Aquinas, London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 2002.
STUMP, Eleanore, and Norman KRETZMANN (editors). The Cambridge Companion to Aquinas, Cambridge: University Press,       1993.
STUMP, Eleanore, and Norman KRETZMANN (editors). The Cambridge Companion to Augustine, Cambridge: University        Press, 2001.
WILLS, Garry. Saint Augustine, London: Phoenix 1999.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• Describe what philosophy is and why it is part of theological studies;
• Appreciate  of the work of the Greek philosophers Socrates, Plato and Aristotle;
• Identify and critically evaluate philosophical positions;
• Reflect on their own presuppositions;
• Offer a reasoned defence of some of their own basic beliefs; and
• Offer an informed account of the nature and importance of the interaction between philosophy and theology.

Methods of Assessment

1,500 word essay on what comprises Philosophy and its importance to Theology.