090037 VO Introduction to Byzantine Philosophy (2018S)

Philosophy is notably a rational enquiry about the structure of the world, the nature of things, the kinds of entities that exist, and the constitution of human being. In Byzantium some very interesting attempts to tackle these issues took place. This course will present the Byzantine way of discussing metaphysical and logical questions and of analysing the surrounding reality on the basis of texts written between the seventh and the twelfth centuries. Priority will be given not to modern philosophical questions, but to the Byzantine debates and concepts used at the time. We will discuss the nature of the sources used (Plato, Aristotle, Porphyry, the Alexandrian commentators…) and the way in which they were employed. We will also question the relation to theology, i.e. the way in which philosophical reflection was stimulated by its use in religious debates, as well as the limitations of the philosophical enquiry imposed by the church.

Every lecture, during which authors, concepts and theses are analysed, will be completed by a common reading and analysis of Byzantine philosophical texts (Greek text and English translation will be provided).

The main goal is to acquire familiarity with the Byzantine philosophical vocabulary and the main fundamental metaphysical questions, arguments and doctrinal tenets of the Greek Middle Ages.