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| Semester | spring semester 2021 |
| Course frequency | Once only |
| Lecturers | Anna Angelini (anna.angelini@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | The course explores the concept of nature in the Hebrew Bible and focuses on the relationship between natural world order and divinely established law, as well as the interaction between the order of nature and human law and agency. It investigates the origins and the development of the notion of natural law in biblical traditions by contextualising it within its broader cultural context. On the one hand, the ideas of « natural law » and « laws of nature » will be read in light of ancient Mesopotamian scientific knowledge; on the other hand, they will be compared with the notion of nature and natural law developed in ancient Greek philosophy. The course will also move from the analysis of ancient evidence to broader issues concerning the modern opposition between “positive” and “natural” law, as well as the ongoing influence of the Bible in shaping contemporary concepts of “justice” and “natural order.” |
| Learning objectives | The course is primarily designed for Old Testament students. However, its anthropological and philosophical perspective suits the curricula of students of Philosophy and Ethics as well. The comparative approach and focus on the literary analysis of ancient sources makes the course equally suitable for students of Classics. |
| Bibliography | - M. J. Bockmuehl. Jewish Law in Gentile Churches : Halakhah and the Beginning of Christian Public Ethics. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 2000. - Ph. Descola. Par-delà nature et culture. Paris: Gallimard, 2006. - A. Long. “Law and Nature in Greek Thought.” In M. Gagarin & D. Cohen (Eds.), The Cambridge Companion to Ancient Greek Law. Cambridge Companions to the Ancient World. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005, 412-430. - C. Hayes. What's Divine about Divine Law?: Early Perspectives. Princeton : Princeton University Press, 2015. - F. Rochberg. Before Nature : Cuneiform Knowledge and the History of Science. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2016. - K. Schmid, C. Uehlinger (eds.). Laws of Heaven – Laws of Nature : Legal Interpretations of Cosmic Phenomena in the Ancient World. OBO 276. Fribourg : Academic Press ; Göttingen : Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2016. - G. Striker. “Origins of the Concept of Natural Law.” In Essays on Hellenistic Epistemology and Ethics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996, 209-220. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Thursday | 10.15-12.00 | Rosshofgasse (Schnitz), Sitzungsraum S 181 |
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 04.03.2021 | 10.15-12.00 | - Online Präsenz -, Zoom |
| Thursday 11.03.2021 | 10.15-12.00 | - Online Präsenz -, Zoom |
| Thursday 18.03.2021 | 10.15-12.00 | - Online Präsenz -, Zoom |
| Thursday 25.03.2021 | 10.15-12.00 | - Online Präsenz -, Zoom |
| Thursday 01.04.2021 | 10.15-12.00 | Ostern |
| Thursday 08.04.2021 | 10.15-12.00 | - Online Präsenz -, Zoom |
| Thursday 15.04.2021 | 10.15-12.00 | - Online Präsenz -, Zoom |
| Thursday 22.04.2021 | 10.15-12.00 | - Online Präsenz -, Zoom |
| Thursday 29.04.2021 | 10.15-12.00 | - Online Präsenz -, Zoom |
| Thursday 06.05.2021 | 10.15-12.00 | - Online Präsenz -, Zoom |
| Thursday 13.05.2021 | 10.15-12.00 | Auffahrt |
| Thursday 20.05.2021 | 10.15-12.00 | Rosshofgasse (Schnitz), Sitzungsraum S 181 |
| Thursday 27.05.2021 | 10.15-12.00 | Rosshofgasse (Schnitz), Sitzungsraum S 181 |
| Thursday 03.06.2021 | 10.15-12.00 | Rosshofgasse (Schnitz), Sitzungsraum S 181 |
| Modules |
Modul: Biblische und systematische Theologie (Master's Studies: Theology) Modul: Theologie des Alten Testaments (AT 4) (Master's Studies: Theology) Modul: Theologie des Alten Testaments (AT 4) (Master's degree subject: Theology) Modul: Theologie des Alten Testaments (AT 4) (Master's Studies: Theology (Start of studies before 01.08.2018)) Module: Religious Convictions in the Past and Present (Master's Studies: Interreligious Studies) |
| Assessment format | record of achievement |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: teaching staff |
| Repeat examination | one repetition, best attempt counts |
| Scale | 1-6 0,5 |
| Repeated registration | no repetition |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Theology, studiendekanat-theol@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Theologie |