Six great medieval thinkers
Tuesdays 5, 12 and 19 October 2010

For many years Christians tended to regard the 'middle ages' as a dark period containing little of interest: theology of any merit or worth was done in the early church and came to life again in the debates of the sixteenth century and the rise of Christian humanism. However, in recent years our view of this fascinating period has undergone a major revision. Far from being a time of superstition or futile speculation (angels and pinheads) this was the time in which the foundations of the modern European world were laid and important ideas debated. This short course will focus on the high middle ages, 1000 to 1300, and introduce the thought of six key figures. In week one we will meet Anselm and Peter Lombard; in week two, Bonaventure and Thomas Aquinas; and in week three, John Duns Scotus and William of Ockham. In each case a brief biography will lead into an outline of their contribution to European intellectual life: philosophy, theology and the beginnings of empirical science will all be seen in a context of dialogue with Orthodox Christianity, Islam and the ideas of the pagan past.

The course is led by Iain Lane, StACCS administrator.

Tutor: Iain Lane
Venue: The Chapter House Crypt, St Albans Cathedral
Date: Tuesdays 5, 12 and 19 October 2010
Time: 8.00 pm
Cost: £24

For directions to St Albans Cathedral please follow this link.

You can book for this course using the Autumn Term programme leaflet which is available here.