Al-Ghazali, Maimonides, Aquinas: Key Tenets and Inter-reflections (H 380, 490; MEd E; MRC-VM4f, VM5c; MAGS 1b) - Detailseite

This course offers an introduction to the key theological ideas of Muhammad al-Ghazali (died 1111), Moses Maimonides (died 1204), and Thomas Aquinas (died 1274), three of the greatest philosophers of the western traditions. Key course ideas include: the nature and knowability of God, the relationship between God and world (revelation/prophecy, providence–does God intervene in history?), and the nature of the world to come. The seminar focuses both on the specific ideas of each tradition and on the ways they illuminate each other. 

The class will be given in English, but students may speak in both German and English.

Readings will be in English and will include selections from:

- Al-Ghazali: Al-Ghazali, “The Argument for the Eternity of the World” and “The Problem of Divine Immutability and Timelessness,” Fadlou Shehadi, David Burell, Frank Griffel.

- Maimonides: selections from The Guide for the Perplexed (Shlomo Pines trans.) and The Mishneh Torah plus secondary literature by Moshe Halbertal, Josef Stern, Menachem Kellner, and Isadore Twersky.

- Aquinas: Lawrence Shapcote OP, Opera Omnia Latin–English, Summa Theologiae (vols. 1–99); online: https://aquinas.cc/la/en/~ST; selections from Eleneore Stump (ed.), The New Cambridge Companion to Aquinas, articles by Piotr Roszak, Ignacio Silva, and Bryan Kromholtz OP.

ALL READINGS ARE ON MOODLE

Bitte melden Sie sich ab dem 24.3. rechtzeitig vor der konstituierenden Sitzung am 17.4. über Moodle an (Zugangsschlüssel: Abraham).

Teilnahmevoraussetzungen: no pre-requisites

Students should speak to the professors about a “Schein,” exams, or papers for degree requirements.