Medieval Philosophy and Theology I

In this stage of the Lyceum Track, the inheritance of Greek philosophy meets the theological genius of the early Church. From Irenaeus’ defense of orthodoxy to Augustine’s profound De Trinitate, these works reveal the intellectual flowering of Christian thought amid ancient metaphysics. The Fathers wrestled with heresy, incarnation, and divine mystery, transforming the philosophical legacy of Plato and Aristotle into a vision of faith seeking understanding—where philosophy is succeeded by scripture and revelation becomes wisdom.

Writings and Dates

• Irenaeus of Lyons – Against Heresies (Adversus Haereses) – ca. 180 AD

• Lucius of Antioch – Theological Works – 3rd century AD

• Alexander of Alexandria – On the Incarnation – early 4th century AD

• Arius of Alexandria – Fragments and Thalia – early 4th century AD

• John Chrysostom – Selected Homilies – late 4th century AD

• Augustine of Hippo – Sermons (Selections) – late 4th–early 5th century AD

• Cyril of Alexandria – Sermons and Letters – early 5th century AD

• Leo I (the Great) – Tome to Flavian – 449 AD

• Nestorius – Fragments and Letters – early 5th century AD

• Augustine of Hippo – De Trinitate – ca. 400–416 AD

• Hilary of Poitiers – On the Trinity (De Trinitate) – ca. 356–360 AD

• Pelagius – Letters and Commentaries – early 5th century AD

• Clement of Alexandria – Stromata (Selections) – late 2nd century AD

• Origen of Alexandria – On First Principles (De Principiis) – early 3rd century AD

• Gregory of Nazianzus – Orations (Selections) – late 4th century AD

• Basil the Great – On the Holy Spirit – 375 AD

• Gregory of Nyssa – Life of Moses / Theological Orations – late 4th century AD

• Plotinus – Enneads (Selections) – 3rd century AD

• Proclus – Elements of Theology (Selections) – 5th century AD

• Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite – Mystical Theology & Divine Names – late 5th–early 6th century AD