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Root number
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4726 |
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Semester
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HS2026 |
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Type of course
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Course |
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Allocation to subject
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Theology |
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Type of exam
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Assignment |
| Title |
Introduction to Ancient Philosophy |
| Description |
What This Course Is About:
Western philosophy begins with a question that is as radical as it is simple: What is the origin of the world? What is its purpose? What is Being? What is becoming? What is the Good? The first thinkers of ancient Greece ventured beyond myth and sought the principles underlying all things. This course takes you back to the beginnings of Western thought.
We start with the Presocratics and their inquiries into the origin and first principles, then follow in the footsteps of Socrates, who sought the Good. We delve into the vast systems of Plato and Aristotle—two thinkers who have shaped Western thought and Christian theology like few others. And we’ll conclude our journey in late antiquity, where philosophy intertwines with religious questions and encounters the major world religions.
The thematic focus is on metaphysical and philosophical questions about religion: What is being? Is the Good transcendent? What is the soul? These questions are not merely historical—they remain relevant to this day.
What to Expect
Primary Texts at Your Fingertips: The key texts (in translation) will be made available on ILIAS. You’ll read Plato and Aristotle in their original language—and discover just how relevant these texts still are today.
In-Person Classes: We’ll discuss, ask questions, and challenge ideas. Philosophy thrives on dialogue.
A common thread: From Thales to Plotinus—we trace the development of ancient philosophy as a coherent narrative, not as a mere collection of individual voices. You’ll delve into concepts that are familiar to you from everyday life and are relevant in other disciplines, such as theology.
Recommended Preparation
It is not necessary to have read all the texts before the course begins. However, for those who wish to gain an initial overview, the following introductory works are highly recommended:
Wolfgang Röd: *The Path of Philosophy*. Vol. 1: Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance. Munich: Beck, 2009—a lucid, clear overview.
Otfried Höffe (ed.): Klassiker der Philosophie. Vol. 1: From the Presocratics to David Hume. Munich: Beck, 2009 – concise portraits of key thinkers.
Both texts are suitable as an introduction. |
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ILIAS-Link (Learning resource for course)
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Registrations are transmitted from CTS to ILIAS (no admission in ILIAS possible).
ILIAS
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Link to another web site
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| Lecturers |
Prof. Dr.
Luca Daniele Di Blasi, Teaching Staff, Faculty of Theology ✉
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ECTS
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3 |
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Recognition as optional course possible
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Yes |
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Grading
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1 to 6 |
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| Dates |
Tuesday 16:15-18:00 Weekly
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| Rooms |
Seminarraum A 019, UniS
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| Students please consult the detailed view for complete information on dates, rooms and planned podcasts. |
User:
Öffentlicher Bereich
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