CVSP 202 Final, Spring 2001

American University of Beirut Civilization Sequence Programme CS 202 Ancient-Medieval-Renaissance Culture Final Exam - Spring Term 2001 / Dr. N. Al-Bagdadi Part I (compulsory for all students): Answer the following question in a comprehensive and concise manner. (10% / minimum one page): What is the relevance of history for Ibn Khaldun and Machiavelli? Explain how and why they refer to the past. Part II: Answer four of the following questions. (10% / each answer minimum one page): 1. How is the concept of ‘asabiyya related to the new concept of ‘ilm al-wmrdn (sci- ence of civilization) as laid down by Ibn Khaldun?--——— 2. How do we define the inward empiricism of St. Augustine and why does he apply this method in his Confessions? 3. Identify and explain the notion of Sola Scriptura. How is this related to the idea of Sola Fide? 4. Compare the different approaches of the idea of the Free Will in Augustine and Ma- chiavelli. Outline their major aspects and the context in which they arise. 5. “Beyond the stage of intellect... another eve is opened.” — Identify and ex- plain this idea. : , oy 6. Explain why the ideas of al-Ghazali and St. Augustine fall under the cate- ; / gory of the "medieval synthesis". Part IIE: Write a well-structyged essay on one of the following topics. Integrate all questions in your essay. Be precise, concise and close to the topic (50% / minimum of 6 pages). 1. “Doubts lead to the Truth” — This insight has a central motif for St. Augustine and al-Ghazali. Explain both their views with specific reference to the texts in question. Show how this idea relates to their individual concept of knowledge. Could you com- pare their views to any of the other texts you encountered this term? What is your opinion of these views and which one do you find most compelling and why? 2. Both Ibn Khaldun and Machiavelli referred in their works to the human nature. Discuss their view and explain how their views are related to some of the basic as- sumptions of their ideas. How would you describe the major differences to the ideas stated by al-Ghazali or/and St. Augustine? What is your opinion of these views and which one do you find most compelling and why?