In this lesson we turn to one of the most important aspects of Aristotle's metaphysics, his categories. At this point we see an expansion of the scientific frame of mind, as inherited from the Ionians. Aristotle describes how we are able to put things into classes, and describe them by names, as well as by attributes. This, of course, is the heart of science as a discipline of observation.

As you consider this material, think about how important it is to our rationality that we are able to do this. This ability involves recognizing similarity among objects, and applying names to things sharing similar characteristics. In many ways, this power lies at the heart of that which is most distinct about human beings compared to other earthly creatures! It should not surprise us that the Bible itself begins by highlighting this very aspect of human abiity, as Adam is commanded to 'name' the animals.

Be sure to think of how different is Aristotle's approach from that of Plato, as you consider this information. Plato is an 'idealist'; Aristotle, a 'nominalist.' You should be able to see the difference between those two approaches by the end of this discussion.

1. Introduction to the Major Themes of Philosophy
2. The Ionian Philosophers
3. The Italian Philosophers
4. The Athenian Pluralists
5. The Life and Times of Socrates
6. Introduction to Plato
7. Plato's World of the Forms
8. Plato's Parable of the Cave
9. Dualism in Plato
10. Introduction to Aristotle
11. Aristotle's Metaphysics
12. Aristotle's Categories
13. Aristotle's Theory of Language
14. Aristotle's God
15. The Epicureans
16. Stoicism
17. Philo of Alexandria
18. The Christian Synthesis
19. Early Christian Apologists
20. Antiochan Christianity
21. Alexandrian Christianity
22. The Council of Nicaea
23. Manichaeism
24. Neo-Platonism
25. The Life of Augustine
26. Overview of Augustin's Thought
27. Augustin's Epistemology
28. Augustin's Epistemology (part 2)
29. Augustin's Theory of Faith
30. Augustin's Understanding of the Church
31. The Pelagian Controversy
32. The Pelagian Controversy (cont)
33. The Pelagian Controversy (concl)
34. Anselm of Canterbury
35. Anselm's Cur Deus Homo
36. Introduction to the Classical Synthesis
37. The Classical Synthesis (part 2)
38. Thomas Aquinas and the Five Ways
39. Art, Philosophy, and the Renaissance

This wide ranging course starts with the pre-Socratic philosophers of the ancient world, and traces the history of philosophical speculation across the ages up to the present. Included along the way is special attention to the greatest Christian thinkers in history, including Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin and many others.