Philosophy

Philosophy lays the foundation for the study of Theology

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Philosophy identifies the most basic questions about existence and is a requirement for the priesthood. In fact, one of its great questions is, “What is existence?” It helps you develop a rational, intellectual capacity to think critically and methodically to find answers to fundamental questions: What is a person? What is thinking? What is nature? What is the nature of the universe? What makes a human being a human being?

The vocabulary and the concepts that address such questions are critical to the study of theology.

Centuries before the birth of Jesus, the great philosophers—Socrates, Plato and others—pondered these very questions. You will study their arguments and assumptions as well as those found in the writings of famous philosophers through history to the present day, all of which have influenced Christian Theology.

Blended into this foundational degree are classes related to ethics, human nature, the universe, and the separation of opinion and justifiable belief as well as selected elective courses, which help form your education to your educational goals. In the process, you will have the opportunity to work toward a personal and integrated philosophy, which will help you apply this knowledge in your search for solutions to human and societal problems of today.

B.A. in Philosophy – Total 36 Credit Hours

• Requirements, 27 credit hours in historical and thematic philosophy courses and culminating with Senior Seminar and Senior Synthesis Capstone.
• Electives, 9 credit hours chosen from a list of wide ranging course topics—Asian Philosophy, Philosophy of Art, Existentialism, Environmental Ethics, and more. 

Program Learning Outcomes

• Articulate the philosophical views, theories, and methods contained in the primary works of historically important philosophers.
• Develop the requisite critical and analytical skills to evaluate the assumptions and arguments contained in philosophical works.
• Construct logically sound arguments in oral and written form.
• Apply appropriate methods of philosophical analysis to critical issues of contemporary relevance.