CVSP 202 Final, Spring 2002

American University of Beirut Civilization Sequence Programme CS 202 Ancient-Medieval-Renaissance Culture Final Exam - Spring Term 2002 / sect. 6 and sect. 7 Dr. N. Al-Bagdadi Part I (compulsory for all students): Answer the following question in a comprehensive and concise manner. (20%): What is the relevance of history for Ibn Khaldun and Machiavelli? Explain how and why they refer to the past. Part II: Answer two of the following questions. (10% each): 1. How do we define the inward empiricism of St. Augustine and why does he apply this method in his Confessions? 2. Identify and explain the notion of Sola Scriptura. How is this related to the idea of Sola Fide? 3. Compare the different approaches of the idea of the Free Will in Dante and Machiavelli. Outline their major aspects and the context in which they arise. 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%). 1. “Doubt leads to the Truth” — This insight has a central motif for St. Augustine and Dante. 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 compare 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 assumptions of their ideas. How would you describe the major differences to the ideas stated by Ibn Rushd, Dante or St. Augustine? What is your opinion of these views and which one do you find most compelling and why?