Medieval Philosophy
Final Exam Study Sheet
Short Answer Section. The following are most of the key concepts and ideas we have
gone over since the midterm. Use them to help you in preparing for the short answer
section of the exam. There will be 12 questions of which you are to answer 10 (4 points
each).
Power of mathematics
Experimental science
Sacred doctrine and science
Holy Scripture and metaphor
Equivocal vs. univocal
Five proofs
Pantheism
Of creation
Problem of evil
Human soul as subsistent?
Incorruptible soul
Aquinas on Plato
Natural Law/Human Law
Happiness
Just war
Pure act
Being in potency
Matter, form, privation
4 causes
“being” as univocal
thisness
Theology vs. science/philosophy
Relative properties of God
Absolute properties of God
Unicity of God (7 proofs)
Augustine (2 readings)
epoché
Immortality of the soul
Essay Question. Two of the following three will be on the final, of which you are to write
an essay on one (60 points).
1. When Aristotle’s texts were firs reintroduced to Medieval philosophers and
theologians, there were many who condemned them (e.g., St. Bonaventure). What
are the main reasons for the concerns the Church had with Aristotle and why did
they not have a similar concern for Plato (as evidenced by Augustine)? In his
interpretation of Aristotle, however, Aquinas argues that Aristotle’s philosophy
can be reconciled with Catholic orthodoxy. Elaborate upon Aquinas’s arguments
and show how he is able to overcome the objections to Aristotle.
2. What is the relationship between Aquinas’s metaphysics and his arguments
concerning the nature of evil? Be sure to address the key issues and arguments on
both subjects – namely his metaphysics and his position on evil. How does
Aquinas’s philosophy contrast with that of Augustine’s on these points? Explain.
3. Duns Scotus has often been seen as a transitional figure between the philosophy
of the high middle ages and the period of modern philosophy and science. In what
ways is this assessment accurate (or is it not)? Be sure to detail the specific points
and arguments that connect Scotus to either or both of the two traditions.