Medieval Metaphysics
(Fall 2025)
Runs 9/8/25 – 11/15/25
The intellectual tradition of the Church undergoes a profound transformation in the wake of Augustine’s thought, raising enduring questions that shape the course of medieval philosophy. This course traces the major metaphysical and theological debates from late antiquity through the high and late Middle Ages (c. 300–1500 AD), exploring how figures such as Boethius, Avicenna, Abelard, Averroes, Maimonides, Aquinas, Scotus, and Ockham engaged with and extended classical philosophical inheritance. Key disputes—such as those between realists and nominalists or Thomists and Scotists—will be examined with their philosophical distinctives and historical influence. Readings will include selections from primary texts, with attention to metaphysics, epistemology, and theological method. Prior familiarity with Plato and Aristotle is helpful but not required.