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AQUINAS AND THE EMERGENCE OF THE CONCEPT OF RIGHTS

Module code: PH622
Credits: 10
Semester: 2
Department: PHILOSOPHY
International:

	Overview
	Aquinas, together with Karl Marx, is regarded as one of the most influential and formative thinkers on contemporary European society. In this module we will learn to critically read Aquinas through an examination of selected texts in translation. Among the topics we shall look at are the following: how Aquinas thought through his sources; his use of Neoplatonism; his decisive role in the reception of Aristotle; perennial philosophy; the limits of philosophical thinking; justice and the state; conscience and human rights.

Overview

Aquinas, together with Karl Marx, is regarded as one of the most influential and formative thinkers on contemporary European society. In this module we will learn to critically read Aquinas through an examination of selected texts in translation. Among the topics we shall look at are the following: how Aquinas thought through his sources; his use of Neoplatonism; his decisive role in the reception of Aristotle; perennial philosophy; the limits of philosophical thinking; justice and the state; conscience and human rights.

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: Situate Aquinas within the history of philosophy and the cultural movements of his times. Individuate and show the use Aquinas makes of his sources. Identify the various literary modes in which Aquinas presents his thinking and the challenges they pose to interpreting his thought. Discuss some of the main features of Aquinas's philosophical system. Identify some central contributions of Aquinas to the historical development of Western philosophy. Critically reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of Aquinas's philosophical ideas. Discuss why Aquinas holds that some questions in philosophy must remain open. Relate Aquinas�s thinking on ethics and politics to contemporary concerns (e.g., justice and the state, conscience and human rights).

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment registration permitted? No Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment capped? No

	Pre-Requisites
	Successful completion of appropriate undergraduate programme.

	Timetable
	This timetable is not currently available, please contact the Philosophy Department.

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Courses / Module

AQUINAS AND THE EMERGENCE OF THE CONCEPT OF RIGHTS