PHI 8320 Cicero and Augustine in Dialogue
A discussion-based course with a reading of three dialogues by Cicero (Tusculan Disputations V, Academica, De natura deorum) followed by a reading of Augustine’s Cassiciacum Dialogues, which correlate topically with Cicero’s dialogues. Goals of the course include the following: understanding Cicero’s and Augustine’s positions concerning foundational moral, epistemological and metaphysical issues; becoming familiar with the schools of thought in Rome during Cicero’s time (i.e., Epicureanism, Stoicism, Peripateticism and Skepticism); considering Augustine’s reliance on and distinction from Cicero as a philosopher; contemplating how belief in Christ may change one’s philosophical approach and positions, as exemplified in Augustine.