This course of lectures is an introduction to some of the key elements in the thought of some of the greatest of ancient (Greek) and medieval philosophers.
The first and second lectures will consider some of the earliest of ancient Greek philosophers, viz. the Pre-Socratics. Their work marks the beginning of philosophy. They are concerned in particular with providing a single and rational account of the natural order.
The third lecture will consider Socrates. Socrates is concerned in particular with questions of ethics.
The fourth to eighth lectures will consider Plato and Aristotle. They will consider Plato on the soul and its immortality in the Phaedo and, in particular, on the perfectly just city-state in the Republic
(471c ff.). (The consideration of the latter includes a consideration of Plato on the Philosopher King and the Forms and the Form of the Good.) They will also consider Aristotle on, among other things, language and logic in the Organon, on change and cause in the Physics and on “happiness” in the Nichomachean Ethics.
The ninth lecture will consider the medieval philosopher Anselm. It will consider in particular his ontological argument in the second chapter of his Proslogion.
The tenth and final lecture will consider another medieval philosopher, Aquinas. It will consider Aquinas on, among other things, form, matter and change and on God.
