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Philosophy Department

Course Description

major | course description | the aquinas scholarship | philosophy conference | certificate of achievement

Phi 105 - Introduction to Philosophy (3) (required)

A course designed to introduce the student to philosophical work. It will guide the student into an initial, basic familiarization with the philosophical approach, terminology and methodology. It will also begin introducing the student to the history of philosophy and its central issues.

Phi 203 - Ancient Philosophy (3) (required)

A survey study of the major philosophers and schools of the sixth to the third centuries BC, with an awareness of contemporary readings of the pre-Socratic philosophers. Special analysis of Plato and Aristotle with an awareness of their special influence on early Christian and medieval thought. Phi 105 is a pre-requisite, or approval of chair.

Phi 206 - Medieval Philosophy (3) (required)

A survey study of the major thinkers of Christianity from the fourth to the fourteenth centuries and their use of Greek categories to understand themselves, the world and God. Special emphasis on St. Augustine, St. Anselm, and St. Thomas Aquinas. Phi 203 is a pre-requisite, or approval of Chair.

Phi 310 - Modern Philosophy (3) (required)

A survey study of the development of philosophical thought in the 17th, 18th and early 19th Century. The development of modernity is analyzed through the Enlightenment, and connected to its Romantic reaction in the 19th Century. Emphasis on Descartes, Hume, Kant and Hegel. Phi 203, Phi 206, and junior standing are pre-requisites, or approval of Chair.

Phi 320 - Contemporary Philosophy (3) (required)

A survey study of the development of philosophical thought in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Beginning with Kierkegaard and Nietszche, the new reading of modernity is presented and analyzed. The development of Phenomenology in Husserl is outlined, as well as the turn towards Hermeneutics in Heidegger, Gadamer, Ricoeur and others. Given the impossibility of giving adequate attention to every significant thinker of this period in a one semester undergraduate survey course, the instructor will select a major figure for more in-depth reading and critical analysis. Phi 310 and junior standing are pre-requisites, or approval of Chair.

Phi 401 - Philosophical Anthropology (3) (required)

A study of the question of man’s self-understanding in the light of the Catholic philosophical tradition and of contemporary reflection. Emphasis on the questions of man’s nature or identity; reason, will, intentionality, freedom. A reflection on the role of love, work, play, sexuality, friendship. Phi 203, Phi 206, Phi 310 and Phi 320 are pre-requisites, or approval of Chair.

Phi 404 - Metaphysics (3) (required)

A study of basic metaphysical questions regarding the nature of reality and the relationship of God, the world, and man; in keeping with the Catholic philosophical tradition and contemporary reflection. Phi 203, Phi 206, Phi 310 and Phi 320 and junior standing are pre-requisites, or approval of Chair.

Phi 405 - Epistemology (3) (required)

This course entails a study of human knowledge, reflection upon the questions of truth, evidence and meaning in keeping with the Catholic Philosophical tradition and contemporary reflection. Includes discussion of the notion of method, the relationship between history, truth, and knowledge; and between reason, language truth, and knowledge. Phi 401, Phi 404 and junior standing are pre-requisites, or approval of Chair.

Phi 435 - Philosophy of Religion (3) (elective)

A course in Theodicy in keeping with the Catholic philosophical tradition and contemporary reflection. It expands on the themes developed in Metaphysics, Philosophical Anthropology and Epistemology; and includes reflection on the ways to discover God through philosophical discourse, and on the language about God. The relationship between art and religion is explored. Phi 401, Phi 403, and Phi 404 are pre-requisites, or approval of Chair.

Phi 437 - Aquinas in the 20th Century (3) (required)

The purpose of this course is twofold, first to increase and help mature the student’s understanding of Aquinas’ thought which was first introduced in Phi 206 (Medieval); second to guide the student through the rediscovery of thomistic thought in the 19th and 20th Centuries. The historical thread leading from the German and Italian seminaries of the 19th Century to the Second Vatican Council is unfolded and discussed. Readings will be selected from Gilson, Maritain, Blondel, Marechal, Rahner and Lonergan. The course will be held in seminar style, and it will encourage the students to do intensive reading, reflection and presentations. General participation in seminar discussions is expected. Phi 403, Phi 404, Phi 405 and senior standing are pre-requisites, or approval of Chair.

Phi 442 - Political Philosophy (3) (elective)

Critical study of the major themes of political theory as developed from the perspective of different 20th Century philosophical positions, the liberal, conservative and libertarian positions in the American tradition; the liberal, social democratic and Christian democratic positions in the European tradition. The instructor will select representative figures from these traditions for reading and critical analysis. Phi 401, Phi 403 and Phi 404 are co-requisites, or approval of Chair.

Phi 451 - 20th Century Continental Philosophy (3) (elective)

It is a critical study of major trends in contemporary Continental Philosophy. Phenomenology, Critical Theory, Hermeneutics, and Deconstruction are explored and critically analyzed. This course expands on the themes developed in the required course on Contemporary Philosophy. Selected readings from Husserl, Heidegger, Marcel, Gadamer, Levinas, Foucault, Habermas, Derrida, or others may be chosen by the instructor for reading and critical analysis. Phi 401, Phi 403 and Phi 404 are pre-requisites or co-requisites, or approval of Chair.

Phi 453 - 20th Century Spanish Philosophy (3) (elective)

A critical study of the major developments in philosophy in Spain in the 20th Century. The work of Unamuno and the thought of the School of Madrid will be explored, and critically analyzed, as well as Ortega y Gasset, Morente, and Mar’as. Phi 401, Phi 403 and Phi 404 are pre-requisites or co-requisites, or approval of Chair.

Phi 454 - Philosophy in Latin America (3) (elective)

A critical study of the issues of Liberation Philosophy, and the philosophical presuppositions of Liberation Theology analyzed in the light of the statements of the Magisterium on these issues. Phi 401, Phi 403, and Phi 404 are pre-requisite, or approval of Chair.

Phi 456 - Film as Philosophical Discourse (3) (elective)

This is not, per se, a course in film appreciation or film theory, but rather, as the title indicates, a course in film as philosophical discourse. The course will, nevertheless, include a brief introduction to the history of film, and a schematic presentation of the development of film language and theory. Films will be analyzed in terms of their non-thematic philosophical presuppositions as well as their thematic content. The course will include lectures, film viewing and guided critical discussion. Junior or Senior status is pre-requisite, or approval of Chair.

Phi 460 - Fundamental Ethics (3) (required)

A philosophical reflection upon fundamental ethical issues in the tradition of natural law. This course depends and draws heavily upon the philosophical synthesis developed earlier in the other systematic courses. Phi 401, Phi 404, Phi 403, are pre-requisites, or approval of Chair. This course may only be taken during the first semester of the senior year. Approval of Chair is required for exceptions.

Phi 461 - Social Ethics (4) (required)

A study of the social dimension of ethics with special stress in the philosophical thread inherent in the statements of the magisterium on the social, economic and political problems of our times. An analysis of the philosophical foundations of the major papal documents from Rerum Novarum to Centesimus Annus is undertaken, and attention is also paid to relevant statements of Episcopal conferences such as Economic Justice for All. Contemporary issues are discussed in seminar fashion. Phi 401, Phi 403, and Phi 404 are pre-requisites, and Phi 460 is a co-requisite. This course is a pre-requisite for the Senior Project in Social Ethics, and may only be taken during the first semester of the Senior Year. Approval of Chair is required for exceptions.

Phi 480 - Special Topics (var)

The topic is selected to meet the academic needs of a group of students, or to cover topics deemed of special interest which are not contemplated in the regular course offerings. By arrangement with Chair.

Phi 490 - Independent Study (var)

The topic is selected to meet the requirements of an individual student, but must meet the normal academic requirements and standards. By arrangement with instructor and approval of Chair.

Phi 493T - - Pre Theology seminar in Philosophy I: Major Philosophers (3)
(Open to Pre - theologians only, required)

An overview of the philosophical thought of key figures from the Ancient, Medieval and Modern periods, especially as they are reformulated and experienced in the modern milieu. The course emphasis is towards develop-ment of their philosophical arguments rather than focusing on these philosophers as individuals.

Phi 494T - Pre-Theology Seminar in Philisophy II: Central themes (3) (Open to Pre-theologians only, required)

A continuation of PHI 493T, this course presents an overview of the central themes in philosophy, integrating them into the 20th Century perspective. It will attempt to make the bridge to theology by making the systematic connections to crucial issues of language, metaphysics, philosophy of religion and the twentieth century evolution of the Thomistic tradition.

Phi 495 - Senior Seminar in Philosophy (3) (elective)

A course conducted in seminar style and limited in participation to seniors. The course is designed to serve any group of seniors who have developed an interest in a given philosophical topic or thinker, and who would like to expand their knowledge in that area. This course is a pre-requisite for anyone who will register Phi 498 as their Senior Project and it will fulfill the elective requirement. By recommendation of instructor and approval of Chair.

Phi 496T - PRE-THEOLOGY WORKSHOP IN PHILOSOPHY (3) (Open to Pre-theologians only, required)

A workshop course team-taught by the philosophy department. The course will employ movies, plays, music and art to illuminate and bring out the philosophical presuppositions of the students participating in it and allow them to re-think them in the light of twentieth century Catholic thought.

Phi 497 - Senior Project in Social Justice Topics (2) (This course or its alternate, Phi 498, is required)

A social ethics workshop. To be taken in the second semester of their senior year. In this workshop they will conduct research on one topic selected in consultation with, and approved by the instructor. This topic must be connected with, and flow from the issues discussed in Social Ethics (Phi 461). The research conducted in this workshop must result in the writing of a paper. The paper must be, at least, 20 pages in length and the student will read a summary of it and discuss it in a panel during Senior Project Conference where the entire College Seminary faculty and students will be in attendance. In the meetings of the workshop the instructor will work one on one with each student and panel and will supervise the research and the writing of the paper. The object of this course is to help the student synthesize his philosophical studies, and marshal together his research, critical thinking and writing skills. The student must obtain a grade of C+ or higher in this course to satisfy the requirements of the major in Philosophy. Every student who obtains an A+ in the course will be recognized during Commencement Exercises by the granting of a the Philosophy Department Certificate of Achievement. Phi 461 is pre-requisite. Only second semester seniors can take it.

Phi 498 - Senior Project in Systematic Philosophy (2) (This course or its alternate, Phi 497, is required)

A workshop on selected philosophical topics. To be taken in the second semester of their senior year. In this workshop they will conduct research on one topic selected in consultation with, and approved by the instructor. This topic must be connected with, and flow from the issues discussed in any of the systematic courses, and related to, at least, one topic discussed in any of the courses in that sequence (Phi 401, Phi 404, and/or Phi 405). The work conducted in this workshop must result in the writing of a paper. The paper must be, at least, 20 pages in length and the student will read a summary of it and discuss it in a panel during the Senior Project Conference where the entire College Seminary faculty and students will be in attendance. In the meetings of the workshop the instructor will work one on one with each student and/or panel and will supervise the research and the writing of the paper. The object of this course is to help the student synthesize his philosophical studies, and marshal together his research, critical thinking and writing skills The student must obtain a grade of C+ or higher in this course to satisfy the requirements of the major in Philosophy. Every student who obtains an A+ in the course will be recognized during Commencement Exercises by the granting of a the Philosophy Department Certificate of Achievement. Phi 495 is a pre-requisite. Only second semester seniors can take it.

Phi 499 - Senior Thesis (5) (elective)

A student whose cumulative GPA in Philosophy by the end of the second semester of his junior year is 3.75 or higher may substitute the required Senior Project by a Senior Thesis with the recommendation of the instructor selected by the student to direct the Thesis, approval of the Chair, and of the Academic Dean. If permission is granted for the Senior Thesis, the Senior Project and the three credit philosophy elective requirements are waived. Petition to the Department for a Senior Thesis must be made before the mid-term exams of the Fall Semester of the Senior Year. The Senior Thesis will consist of directed readings, discussions, and the writing of a paper of no less than 40 pages in length. The topic is to be selected by the student and agreed upon by the Thesis Director. The topic of the Thesis should be such that it aids the student to synthesize his philosophical studies and helps him prepare for theological study. The student must abide by the Thesis Procedures which are available at the Philosophy Department office.