CVSP 202 Final, Spring 2002

{rss EnEC AS UNIVER . ' LIBKARY . . . . OF BEIRUT American University of Beirut Civilization Sequence Programme CS 202 Ancient-Medieval-Renaissance Cultare Final Exam - Spring Term 2002 / sect. 1 and sect. 3 Dr. N. Al-Bagdadi Part I (compulsory for all students): Answer the following question in a comprehensive and concise manner. (20%): Compare the concept of the virtue of the ruler in Ibn Khaldun and Machiavelli: explain what are the essential differences in their characterizations and approaches? Part II: Answer two of the following questions. (10%): 1. Explain Ibn Khaldun\s concept of asabiyya. How is this concept related to his idea of ‘science of civilization'? 2. Identify and explain the notion of Sola Scriptura. How is this related to the idea of Sola Fide? 3. Which basic elements define the notion of the Free Will in Dante and Machiavelli? Outline their major aspects and the context in which they arise Part II: 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. The question of knowledge and the limits of knowledge played a pre-eminent role for most of the philosophers discussed. Identify the major features of the concept of knowledge in Augustine, Ibn Rushd, 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? 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?