Ancient & Medieval Philosophy

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Miriam Adler (Assistant Professor of Philosophy)
• Email: madler@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Lovell Hall 244
• Office Hours:
  • Tuesday & Thursday: 3:30–5:00 p.m. (In person, Lovell Hall 244)
  • Monday: 4:00–5:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

The Presocratics, Plato, Aristotle, Hellenistic schools, Augustine, and Aquinas, examining metaphysics, ethics, and the relationship between faith and reason. PHIL 210 surveys the development of classical Western philosophical thought from the Presocratic inquiries into the fundamental nature of the cosmos through the Hellenistic schools and the Christian, Islamic, and Jewish scholastic syntheses of the High Middle Ages. Students engage deeply with primary texts from Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, the Stoics, Augustine of Hippo, and Thomas Aquinas. The course investigates enduring questions concerning metaphysics, teleology, epistemic certainty, human flourishing (eudaimonia), the problem of evil, and the profound reconciliation of faith with classical philosophical reason.

Prerequisites

PHIL 101.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of PHIL 210, students will be able to:

1. Analyze Presocratic and Socratic Thought: Examine the shift from mythic cosmologies to rational philosophical inquiry in Presocratic natural philosophy and Socratic elenctic dialogue.
2. Examine Platonic and Aristotelian Systems: Compare Platonic metaphysical idealism (the Theory of Forms) with Aristotelian hylomorphism, teleology, substance ontology, and virtue ethics.
3. Evaluate Hellenistic Philosophies of Life: Contrast Epicurean atomism and hedonism with Stoic cosmopolitanism, virtue theory, and Pyrrhonian skepticism as systematic ways of life.
4. Critique Medieval Faith and Reason Syntheses: Analyze how Augustine, Anselm, and Aquinas integrated classical philosophical frameworks into monotheistic theology, addressing creation, free will, and evil.
5. Execute Close Textual Philosophical Exegesis: Compose rigorously argued papers grounded in close exegetical reading of ancient and medieval primary texts, defending interpretive claims against objections.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Forrest E. Baird, ed. Philosophic Classics, Volume I: Ancient Philosophy. 6th ed., Routledge, 2010. Approx. $40 print purchase.
2. Forrest E. Baird, ed. Philosophic Classics, Volume II: Medieval Philosophy. 6th ed., Routledge, 2010. Approx. $35 print purchase.
3. Total estimated cost: $75.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 1: AI Not Permitted for Graded Work)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), PHIL 210 operates under AI Level 1.

• What is permitted: You may use generative AI tools to look up Greek and Latin etymologies of philosophical terms or review historical chronological timelines of the ancient Mediterranean.
• What is prohibited: You may not use generative AI to write close textual analyses, compose thesis statements, draft paper paragraphs, or answer examination essay questions.
• Disclosure: All submitted papers must include a signed academic integrity statement certifying: 'I declare that this essay represents my own independent scholarship and composition without generative AI assistance.'

Grading Components and Weights

• Midterm Examination: 20% (In class, Thursday, October 8)
• Textual Analysis Paper 1: Ancient Metaphysics: 20% (Due Friday, September 25 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Research Essay 2: Medieval Faith and Reason: 25% (Due Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Primary Text Reading Responses: 15% (Weekly close-reading reflections submitted in Canvas on Mondays at 11:59 p.m.; lowest score dropped)
• Seminar Discussion & Textual Exegesis: 5% (Active, prepared participation in seminar dialogue and primary text analysis)
• Comprehensive Final Examination: 15% (Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 1:30–3:30 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No extra credit assignments are offered in PHIL 210. Grades reflect dedicated scholarship on assigned essays, reading reflections, and examinations.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Class discussion in Lovell Hall 140 is the vital core of historical philosophical inquiry. You are expected to attend every session prepared to analyze primary texts. You may take up to two unexcused absences without penalty; subsequent absences lower your final grade by one-third of a letter grade. Missing more than five classes results in a failing grade. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Textual analysis papers submitted late lose one-third of a letter grade per calendar day and will not be accepted after four days past the deadline. Weekly reading reflections must be submitted on time to support class discussion.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 1:30–3:30 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).