PHIL 797 Metaphysics of John Duns Scotus
This course focuses on the metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophical theology of the late thirteenth-century Franciscan philosopher-theologian John Duns Scotus (1265-1308). Advocating a metaphysical position largely inspired by Avicenna, Scotus was one of the pivotal figures in the development of medieval philosophy, while conceptualism and nominalism, the subsequent critical reactions to his theory of knowledge, provided the immediate background for Renaissance and early modern epistemology. Chief themes considered are: the nature of metaphysical knowledge, being and its properties, the ontology of universals and individuals, the sources and extent of human knowledge, and the existence and nature of God. Texts include selections in English translation from Scotus' Lectura, Ordinatio, Quaestiones in libros Metaphysicorum Aristotelis, excerpts from the logical writings, and recently edited Quaestiones super secundum et tertium De anima. Although most of the Latin texts will be available in English translation, a reading knowledge of Medieval Latin is recommended.