Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 3100W 
Professor Donohoe

1. Learning Outcomes:  The aim of this course is to examine critically the major philosophical theories of the ancient and medieval periods of history.  We will examine important primary philosophical texts;  explore metaphysical and ontological questions and how they have changed through the centuries; and  think through the philosophical approaches to language that are presented in the primary texts.  By the end of the semester students will be able to:
•    Analyze and critically outline philosophical positions
•    Identify philosophical positions on questions of Being and language
•    Explain some of the major differences between philosophers of the ancient and medieval periods
•    Indicate how philosophies of Being and language are influenced by other philosophical theories, e.g. metaphysics, epistemology.
•    Exhibit familiarity with at least four philosophical theories of these historical periods.
•    Present a philosophical argument in written form.

2. Requirements:  To achieve the above goals will require a new way of reading and thinking.  We will not just read the texts, but we will question and challenge the texts thereby questioning and challenging our own beliefs and thought processes.  The requirements for the class are fivefold.

    a)  class discussion and participation                                 10%
    b)  writing assignments (in-class and out of class)              15%
    c)  in-class midterm exam                                                 25%
    d)  paper of 3000-4500 words                                        25%
    e)  in-class final exam                                                       25%

In order to meet these requirements it will be necessary to attend class regularly and to do the assigned reading.  It will be evident if you have not done the reading and this will not be beneficial to your success in this class.  Papers absolutely will not be accepted after the due date unless you have discussed it with me prior to the due date.

3.  Availability:  I am available outside of class during office hours, or by appointment.  If there are questions or problems do not hesitate to see me. 

hours:  M, W 10:00-11:00 a.m., 12:00-2:00 p.m.
office:  Humanities 148
phone:  (770) 838-3012
e-mail:  jdonohoe@westga.edu

4.  Book List:  The books listed below should be available in the book store. 

    Plato        The Meno
    Plato        The Sophist
    Aquinas        Aquinas On Being and Essence
    Ockham        Philosophical Writings

A course packet will include the following:
    Aristotle        excerpts from Metaphysics
    Augustine    De Magistro
    Avicenna    excerpts from Metaphysica
    Averroes    excerpts from Three Short Commentaries
    Abelard        The Glosses of Peter Abelard on Porphyry
   
 


CALENDAR

January
6        Introduction:  Themes of the course
8        Heraclitus    Fragments
10        The Fragments
13        The Fragments
15        Plato    The Meno
17        The Meno
20        MLK Day—No Classes!
22        The Meno    (In-class writing assignment)
24        The Meno
27        Plato    The Sophist
29        The Sophist
31        The Sophist
February
3        The Sophist    (Take-home writing assignment)
5        The Sophist
7        Aristotle        Metaphysics
10        Metaphysics
12        Metaphysics
14        Metaphysics
17        Metaphysics
19        Midterm Exam
21        Augustine    De Magistro
24        De Magistro
26        De Magistro
28        De Magistro
March
3        Avicenna    (In-class writing assignment)
5        Avicenna
7        Avicenna
10        Avicenna
12        Avicenna    (paper topic due)
14        Averroes
17-21        Spring Break
24        Averroes
26        Averroes
28        Averroes    (paper due)
31        Averroes
April
2        Aquinas        On Being and Essence
4        On Being and Essence
7        On Being and Essence    (Take-home writing assignment)
9        On Being and Essence
11        On Being and Essence
14        On Being and Essence
16        Ockham        Philosophical Writings
18        Philosophical Writings
21        Philosophical Writings    (In-class writing assignment)
23        Philosophical Writings
25        Philosophical Writings
28        Review

final exam will be scheduled during exam week