Introduction To Philosophy

Aim of the Course

This introductory course highlights and explores crucial questions and issues in philosophy of “Man as Lover of Wisdom” - a systematic study of human wisdom, including topics such as “The Purpose of Life”, “What is Wisdom?”

Course Content

It will take a systematic approach from the classical Greek wisdom teaching and the thoughts of Plato to the Christian thoughts of St Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas.

The course will conclude with the decline of the early modern period of Descartes, Hume & Kant and its impact on Philosophy today.

Assessment

Short Essay (1500 words): 15%

Assignment / Presentation: 25%

In class exam: 30%

Final Exam: 30%

Credit: 3

Select Bibliography

Plato, Great Dialogue of Plato. Trans. By Rouse, WHD. New York: Signet Classics, 2008

St. Augustine, On Freedom of Will. Trans. By Williams, T. Indianapolis: Hackett Pub Co., 1993

St. Augustine, Confession. Trans. By Coffin, RSP. London: Penguin Classics, 1961

Ariew, Roger and Watkins, Eric (eds.), Readings in Modern Philosophy Vol. 1 & 2. Indianapolis: Hackett Pub Co., 2000

Lewis, C.S. The Abolition of Man. (available at www.archive.org) Plus Handouts

John Paul II, Fides Et Ratio, 1998 (available at: http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hfjp-iienc14091998fides-et-ratio.html)

Gilson, Etienne, The Spirit of Medieval Philosophy, Notre Dame University of Notre Dame Press, 2007.

Lecture Hours

To be confirmed

Lecturer

Fr. Stanley Antoni