HUMS 2000
Reason and Revelation
The origins of philosophy in ancient Greece and its pursuit in the medieval West, with special attention to knowledge, happiness, and love. Readings include works by Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, Boethius, Aquinas, and Dante.
2026
Topics
- What is virtue? Plato, Meno 70a-80d M
- Recollection, Knowledge, and Plato, Meno 80d-100b M
- What is justice? Plato, Republic I M
- Glaucon’s social contract Republic II. 357a-368c M
- Justice in the city and in the Republic II. 368c-IV M
- The three waves Republic V-VI. 502c M
- The Sun, the Line, and the Republic VI. 502c-VII M
- Decline of Justice in the city Republic VIII-IX. 576c M
- Final examination of Justice; Republic IX. 576c-X M
- Formative Test #1 Plato
- Physics & its principles; Aristotle, Physics I. 1, 2, 5-9 S
- Nature & the four causes Aristotle, Physics II. 1-9 S
- The prime motion & mover Aristotle, Phys. VIII. 1, 4, 6-10, Meta. S
- Happiness Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics I. 1-7 S
- Moral virtue Nicomachean Ethics I. 8-9, 12-13, II. 1- S
- Moral virtue and choice Nicomachean Ethics II. 7, 9, III. 1-5 S
- Contemplation Nicomachean Ethics X. 6-9 S
- Formative Test #2 Aristotle
- Friendship and the good life Cicero, On Friendship (pdf) S
- The Epicurean highest good Cicero, On Moral Ends, Book I S
Readings
- They are available at Singing Pebble Books (206 Main St, Ottawa, ON, K1S 1C6, 613-230- 9165). They may also be ordered through Singing Pebble online: https://www.singingpebblebooks.ca/features-/course-books
Prerequisites & course information
Prerequisite(s): HUMS 1000 and enrolment in the Bachelor of Humanities program. Lectures three hours a week and tutorials one and a half hours a week.