CVSP 202 Final, Fall 2000

American University of Beirut Civilization Sequence Programme CS 202 Ancient-Medieval-Renaissance Culture Final Exam - Fall Term 2000-2001 Dr. Al-Bagdadi Part I (compulsory for all students): Answer the following question in a comprehensive and concise manner. (10% / minimum one page): Compare the concept of the virtue of the ruler in Ibn Khaldun and Machiavelli: what are the essential differences in characterization? Part II: Answer three of the following questions. (30% / each answer minimum one page): 1. What did Aquinas mean when he stated the following: "Beneficially, therefore, did the divine Mercy provide that it should insruct us to hold by faith even those truths that the human reason is able to investigate (...)"? 2. Why do we speak of "science of civilization" with regard to Ibn Khaldun's major theories laid out in the Mugaddima? 3. How do we define the inward empiricism of St. Augustine and why does he apply this method in his Confessions? 4. Which of the philosophers discussed in class based their views on God's love for the humankind and why? 5. Which elements define Free Will in Dante and Machiavelli? Part III: Write a well structured essay on one of the following topics. Integrate all questions in your essay. Be precise, concise and close to the topic (60% / minimum of 6 pages). 1. The question of knowledge played a pre-eminent role for most of the philosophers discussed. Identify the major features of the concept of knowledge in Augustine, Aquinas, and Ibn Khaldun and show how these three thinkers developed their ideas in the texts we read. Where you would locate the main differences of their views ? What is your opinion of these views and which one do you find most compelling and why? 2. Most of the texts we encountered in class fall under the rubric of the "medieval synthesis". Explain what is meant by this idea with reference to Dante and Ibn Rushd. Elaborate on their common features as well as on their differences and show how these two thinkers argue for their point of view. Why would we consider Machiavelli as the precursor of modern times? Which of the views do you find most appropriate for today's concerns and why?