Reflections on Self-Knowledge from the Greek Philosophers to the Medieval Mystics
This self-paced online course examines the emergence of Greek Philosophy with its emphasis on seeking out the order of nature, from which astronomy and medicine arose, and its pressing need to understand the nature of Justice. The Christian understanding of self-knowledge is explored and the Four Degrees of Love identified by St Bernard of Clairvaux. Finally, the commonalities between Greek mysticism and Christian mysticism are outlined.
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Six ‘bite size’ sessions of around 45 minutes
PDF transcript of entire course
Quizzes to promote reflection
Bundle this course!
Receive a reduced rate with our “Know Thyself” course bundle. You’ll have access to both Mindfulness and Buddhist Psychology as Gateways to Self-Knowledge and Self-Transformation, as well as Reflections on Self-Knowledge from the Greek Philosophers to the Medieval Mystics.
About this course
In this course Dr Joseph Milne explores self-knowledge in both the Greek and Christian traditions. He considers how we participate in a cosmic order in which justice, providence, fate and destiny all play decisive parts. Joseph draws us closer to the nature of Virtue and, in particular, to Temperance (sophrosyne) and Justice.
The importance of bringing about right order in the soul is highlighted and seen as the harmonious relationship between its three aspects – intellectual, spirited and appetitive and the direction of these to their proper ends. The consideration of this helps us to look at these aspects in our own lives.
Dr Milne examines the paths of Knowledge and Love and the Four Degrees of Love described by St Bernard of Clairvaux. Finally, he explores the common elements in the Greek philosophical approach to self knowledge and the Christian mystical approach.
This short six part course is not intended to be an exhaustive exposition of the subject, but we believe it will set you thinking. It is researched and presented by Dr Joseph Milne and is drawn from his lecture to our Summer School in 2024 which explored the Greek imperative, Know Thy Self as a Path to Inner Wisdom.
What you will learn
- Survey the Greek philosophical and Christian mystical approaches to self-knowledge. Ponder how these approaches might serve to illuminate your own spiritual path.
- Consider the role of Virtue and what makes you happy.
- Reflect on the intellectual, spirited and appetitive aspects of your own nature and how they might better work together.
- Examine the Four Degrees of Love, based on the work of St Bernard, and what they might mean to you.
Course outline
Reflections on Self-Knowledge from the Greek Philosophers to the Medieval Mystics, not only outlines different approaches to self knowledge but shows what Greek and Christian traditions have in common.
Module 1: The Emergence of Greek Philosophy – the human being as participant in the cosmic order
In this session Joseph will explore the following:
- The individual as participant in the cosmic order.
- Early Western reflections on Self-knowledge and how these take the form of ethical demands.
- The importance of Virtue and the three aspects of the soul.
- Right order in the soul leading to inner and outer harmony and the living of the Good Life.
- The emergence of Greek Philosophy in two forms.
Module 2: Self Recollection – the return of the soul to its Source
Here Dr Milne covers the all important question of Know Thyself as a call to reflection.
- Know Thyself – a call to reflection
- The potential participation of human intelligence in divine intelligence
- The Transcendent Good
- Ethics
- Self-knowledge and the providential order of the universe
Module 3: The Christian Understanding of Self Knowledge – the Cistercian theology grounded in Love
In this session Dr Milne moves from the Greek understanding of Self Knowledge to the Christian view.
- The Christian understanding of self-knowledge with its two distinctive approaches: (1) affective; (2) intellectual.
- Attachments of the soul – the question of vice.
- The proper end of the soul.
- Cultivating the virtues.
- What the soul makes possible.
Module 4: Knowledge of the Divine is not possible without self knowledge – The Cistercian treatise on the Spirit and Soul
Joseph draws on the Cistercian treatise on the Spirit and Soul to outline a way of knowledge which has been forgotten.
- Drawing on the twelfth century Cistercian Treatise on the Spirit and the Soul, Dr Milne reflects on the likeness between the created world and the powers of the soul.
- The power to desire and love.
- Trinity in the soul.
Module 5: The Four Stages in Loving God set out by St Bernard of Clairvaux in his work On Loving God
Here, we learn that the way of love places much emphasis on the interior life. Dr Milne outlines:
- The Way of Love. The four Degrees of Love identified by St Bernard of Clairvaux.
- The two misconceptions of selfhood.
- Drawing on the twelfth century Cistercian Treatise on the Spirit and the Soul, Dr Milne reflects on the likeness between the created world and the powers of the soul.
- The power to desire and love.
- Trinity in the soul.
Module 6: The Commonalities between Greek Mysticism and Christian Mysticism
Joseph concludes by showing how both the Greek and Christian approaches to self knowledge explore the nature of the soul through reflection and virtuous action:
- The common elements in the Greek philosophical approach to self-knowledge and the Christian mystical approach.
- Self-love and the love of God.
About your course guide
Dr Joseph Milne is a philosopher, writer and seasoned lecturer. He taught for many years on the renowned MA in the Study of Religion and Mystical Experience at the University of Kent. He won a British Academy award for his PhD research in theological anthropology.
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Survey the Greek philosophical and Christian mystical approaches to self knowledge and ponder how these approaches might serve to illuminate your own spiritual path.
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