Assessment

Seminar presentation 10%, oral exam 30%, final exam 60%

Module Aims

This module aims to present a historical and systematic account of Aquinas’s philosophical thought. In doing so it will show how the various themes in Aquinas’s metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics fit together to give him a view of reality as a whole. Not only that, Aquinas’s philosophical thought will be situated within the context of his theology thereby showing the relevance of some of his philosophical teachings to central themes in Christian theology.

Learning Outcomes

• — Articulate the role of Aquinas’s thought in the history of philosophy
• — Analyse Aquinas’s argumentation in a range of philosophical areas.
• — Engage critically with opposing views in philosophy and theology.
• — Identify key areas where Aquinas offers unique philosophical insight.
• — Characterise the key aspects of a Thomistic philosophical outlook.
• — Apply Aquinas’s thought to contemporary issues in philosophy.