Courses / Module

The medieval period was marked by a complex and often fraught relationship between different cultures and religious groups. This module will explore the philosophical debates surrounding tolerance and concepts of otherness in medieval philosophy, and will examine the ways in which these debates continue to shape contemporary understandings of identity and diversity.
Through close readings of key texts from medieval philosophers such as Thomas Aquinas, Ibn Rushd (Averroes), and Maimonides, students will explore the ethical and political dimensions of tolerance, and consider the ways in which medieval philosophers sought to reconcile conflicting religious and cultural traditions.
The module will also examine the ways in which medieval philosophers constructed ideas of otherness, including the ways in which they conceived of non-Christian or non-Jewish cultures, and the role that these constructions played in the development of medieval philosophy more broadly.
Through a combination of lectures, seminar discussions, and independent research, students will develop a critical understanding of the complex and often contested concepts of tolerance and otherness in medieval philosophy. They will also be encouraged to reflect on the relevance of these debates for contemporary discussions of identity, diversity, and intercultural communication.