FSEM 102   Legacies of the Ancient World

Faculty Profile for Professor Sindima

Explores how the texts of the ancient world have informed the ethical, philosophical, political and religious thought of the modern West. Most of the texts are from the Mediterranean world, Greece and the Middle-East as these regions shaped Western civilization. Indeed, to speak of Western civilization, is to refer to the impact of Greek thought, Jewish, and Christian values. The ideas of democracy and ethical values, for instance, trace their roots to Greece and the Judeo-Christian tradition. Likewise, the idea of freedom of conscience is the product of the Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther and runs through Saint Augustine to Aristotle. So, the study of the ancient world is really an investigation into Greek philosophy and the Middle-Eastern religious values, or through Judaism and Christianity in particular. Students who successfully complete this seminar will satisfy the Legacies of the Ancient World core requirement.

Harvey Sindima is professor of philosophy and religion, and a Colgate Presidential Scholar. He teaches courses on world religions; the Christian tradition; religion, science, and the environment; and religion, war, peace and reconciliation. He has numerous publications in religions, Christian theology and theological movements, terrorism, religion and capitalism, and philosophy. The objectives of his FSEM are to familiarize students with the texts that shaped the foundations of Western thought, and to develop a deeper understanding of the power of philosophical and theological thought in shaping the social-political framework and structure.