Master Class: Divine Foreknowledge and Human Freedom

 Foto: Christof Wolf SJ

Organized by the
Cluster-Initiative
„Divine Omnipotence, Human Freedom and the Problem of Evil: Towards an Analytic Concept of Theodicy“

of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich
Chair for Fundamental Theology
(Prof. Dr. Armin Kreiner)

and

Munich School of Philosophy
Institute for Philosophy of Religion
(Prof. Dr. Godehard Brüntrup)

Within the context of the Analytic-Theology-Project (Innsbruck, Munich, Frankfurt), the cluster initiative of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich and the Munich School of Philosophy organized a 

Master Class

„Divine Foreknowledge and Human Freedom“ 

(a brief video presentation of the problem by Peter van Inwagen)

February 16 - 19, 2012 

focussing primarily on the classical theories of Thomism and Molinism and their modern continuations in form of analytical Thomism and analytical Molinism. The language of the master class was English. 

The master was taught by Brian Leftow (Oriel College, University of Oxford, UK) and Kenneth Perszyk (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand).

Who could apply? Recent PhDs (2006 or later) and current graduate students in philosophy and theology were invited to apply. Senior scholars with specific expertise in the field could apply as guests. We welcomed applications from individuals of any philosophical persuasion with a strong interest in analytic philosophy vis-à-vis religious beliefs.

The organizers strongly encouraged submission of research papers by graduate students and recent PhDs. These  papers should address topics within the overall concept of the master-class. There were 11 spots for such papers at the master-class; 30 minutes each. Places for non-presenting students and guests were very limited. Below you find a picture of the master-class in session.

"The difference between a normal class and a master class is typically the setup. In a master class, all the students (and often spectators) watch and listen as the master takes one student at a time" (Wikipedia). What this master was is aiming to achieve: teaching, intensive work, discussion and fruitful exchange of advanced students and junior scholars with senior scholars over a period of four days. Here 11 students got the opportunity to present their work to senior scholars in the field. We were having an alternating rhythm of modules which either focus on teaching by the instructors or focus on the individual participants who were presenting their own research on issues within the thematic field of the master class. The master class began on February 16 with lunch, and ended on February 19 with lunch. 

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       The master class is supported by generous grants of

    Dr. phil. h.c. Erich Lejeune

and the