History of Philosophy

The roots of Jewish philosophy in the Islamic world, focusing on the Rabbinic background in the Mishnah and Talmud, and the thought of early figures like Isaac Israeli.

Al-Kindī uses Hellenic materials to discuss the eternity of the world, divine attributes, and the nature of the soul.

Greek philosophy and science make their way into the Islamic world via Syriac and Arabic translations and interpretations.

A first look at the philosophical contributions of Islamic theology (kalām) and its political context, focusing on the Muʿtazilites Abū l-Hudhayl and al-Naẓẓām.

The rise of Islam creates a new context for philosophy not only among Muslims, but also Jews and Christians.

John Marenbon joins Peter to discuss Boethius' solution to the problem of divine foreknowledge.

Boethius ushers in the medieval age with expert works on Aristotle, subtle treatises on theology, and the Consolation of Philosophy, written while he awaited execution.

Apuleius, Victorinus, Martianus Cappella, Macrobius and Calcidius present and interpret Platonic teachings for readers of Latin.

In a final episode on Augustine, Charles Brittain joins Peter to discuss On the Trinity.

In On the Trinity Augustine explores the human mind as an image of God.

Peter speaks with Sarah Byers about the Stoic influence on Augustine's ethics and theory of action.

In his City of God Augustine traces the histories and philosophical underpinnings of two “cities,” one devoted to worldly glory, the other to heavenly bliss.

Augustine defends free will, but rejects the Pelagian claim that we can be good without God's help.

Augustine argues that words are signs, but not signs that can bring us to knowledge.

In the Confessions Augustine weaves autobiography with reflections on the nature of God, man, and time.