“THE STUDY OF WESTERN INSTITUTIONS”
TRUMAU,VIENNA, AUSTRIA
July 7-29, 2011

OPENING SEMINAR
The Opening Seminar offers an introduction to the summer course as a whole. The Phoenix Institute Vision Statement will be read, explained and discussed and additional reading will be handed out and read and discussed in small groups to gain a deeper understanding of the mission of the Phoenix Institute.

The introductory seminar commences on Friday, July 8th. Participation in the Opening Seminar is compulsory for all students, faculty and staff.

THE ETHICS OF RHETORIC: MORALITY AND PERSUASION
(2 Credits)
Prof. Dr. J.A.E. Bons
University of Amsterdam and Utrecht University

It has been argued that the capacity to deliberate and persuade, referred to by the Ancients as Logos, has enabled mankind to distinguish itself from animals and to build civilization. From the early Greeks onwards this particular human capacity has been studied and analyzed, and has given rise to the Art of Rhetoric. Undeniably the ability to persuade is a vital factor in the life of individual human beings, particularly in their social and intellectual activities. Rhetoric has a place in the way we use our language, in literature and the arts, in philosophy and even in science. Seen in this perspective one can say that Rhetoric contributes to human flourishing and the pursuit of the ideals of civilization. At the same time one can also point to abuses of Rhetoric, when the art of persuasion degenerates into deceit and propaganda. This course asks the question: what is the nature of Rhetoric? Is it a force for the good? What are its inherent dangers? Is there such a thing as a morally valid rhetoric? In order to investigate and answer to these questions students will study rhetoric and its nature by carefully reading a number of foundational texts on the subject. The core text for the course is Aristotle’s treatise On Rhetoric, the study of which will allow the determination of the major “laws of rhetorical thought”. In addition texts from Plato, Isocrates, Cicero and St. Augustine will be read. Selected readings from modern authors will provide an opportunity for discussion and reflection.

Course Materials: George A. Kennedy, Aristotle, On Rhetoric. A Theory of Civic Discourse, 2nd Edition, Oxford University Press, 2006. Course reader with selected sources.

Dr. Jeroen A.E. Bons.- Fellow of the Humanities Department of the University College Utrecht. Professor for the History of Rhetoric at the University of Amsterdam. Senior Lecturer in Classics and Comparative Literature at Utrecht University.

THOMAS AQUINAS AS A POLITICAL AND LEGAL PHILOSOPHER
(2 Credits)
Dr. Bart Labuschangne, LL.M.
Leiden University

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) is a massive figure in the history of western thought. In this edition of the Cambridge Texts series Robert Dyson (whose modern rendition of Augustine's City of God has already been widely acclaimed) has chosen texts by St. Thomas Aquinas that show his development of a Christian version of the philosophy of Aristotle, its contrast with the Augustinian thought that had colored so much political thinking in the previous eight centuries, and St. Thomas's views as to the purpose of law, government, constitutions, and the relations between secular and ecclesiastical power. The texts are taken from several works of Aquinas, mostly from the Summa Theologiae, De Regimine Principum or De Regno, and others. Property, slavery, and usury are fully covered, as are St Thomas's celebrated and influential writings on law and justice. Indeed a must-read for anyone interested in classical texts on law and politics in the Catholic, natural law tradition and their continuing relevance today.

Reading material: Aquinas: Political Writings, Edited and translated by R. W. Dyson, Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought, Cambridge, 2003.

Dr. Bart C. Labuschagne LL.M.- Assistant professor of Philosophy of Law at the Law Faculty, Leiden University. He studied Law, History and Philosophy at Groningen University, where he received his doctorate in 1995 with a dissertation on the philosophical aspects of the freedom of religion. His interests are the history of the philosophy of law, religion, ethics and politics. He teaches (among others) Plato, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Kant, Hegel, Voegelin and Habermas, and publishes mainly about the role of religion in democratic, post-secular societies. He has written a number of articles and books.

THE BULWARK OF THE WEST: CHRISTIANITY
History and Culture in Vienna at the Crossroads between West and East
(2 Credits)
Prof. Dr. Bernard Dolna (Coordinator)
University of Vienna

The city of Vienna has played a central role in the history of Europe, from Roman times until today. The Romans regarded the area as one of crucial importance on the Eastern border of their Empire. From the Middle Ages onwards, starting with Charlemagne and continued with the Babenberg and Habsburg dynasties, Vienna was at the centre of cultural, political and religious events that shaped the identity of Europe. The Austrian-Hungarian Empire under Emperor Franz Josef in the 19th Century could be seen as a prefiguration of attempts at the unification of Europe today.

In this course the students will be introduced by various specialists in the field into the rich and fundamental traditions of the arts, history and religious significance of Vienna, city in the very heart of Europe. Lectures and field-trips as part of the course will show the many dimensions of this amazing city and its history: the Romans in Vienna; the Babenberg/Habsburg dynasty and Christianity; Vienna, bulwark of the West: crusades and the Ottoman challenge; the splendor of Empire: emperors and the arts; the Empire and its peoples: supra-nationalism and ethnic diversity; Vienna as a centre of science, philosophy, literature and music; etc.

Reading material: A reader will be provided to students. Students are furthermore recommended to prepare for the course by reading one of the many history books that are available about Vienna.

Dr. Bernhard Dolna.- Assistant Professor of Ecumenical Studies and Jewish Studies and Dean of the International Theological Institute. Researcher at the University of Vienna, Dr. Dolna publishes extensively internationally.

Costs for the TRUMAU-Vienna summer seminar

1545 € (Tuition, double/triple-occupancy accommodation, cultural events and three daily meals included).

Applicants from outside the EU need to inform at the Austrian Embassy or consulate in their home country whether a (student or tourist) visa is required for entry into Austria. Prior to arrival in Austria, all participants must purchase a full medical insurance policy that covers any medical emergencies or needs whilst attending the course. The Phoenix Institute Europe Foundation cannot provide for any medical care or medical costs and insurance coverage. Participants, who have not sent the Institute prior written proof of their medical insurance coverage for their stay in Austria, will not be admitted.

LOCATION

The Seminar will be held in Trumau, Austria. The Trumau Castle is home to the International Theological Institute. Located 20 minutes south of Vienna and 30 minutes southwest of Vienna Airport by car, Trumau offers ample opportunities to take full advantage of Vienna's rich cultural atmosphere.