THEO 500 Philosophy for Theologians

Professor: Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson, S.T.L.

Welcome to this course!

 

This course has been made available to students for free from catholicthinkers.org and was originally created by Fr. Benedict Ashley, O.P., and was later revised and taught by Fr. Brian Mullady, O.P. 

In this course we will study the relationship between theology and philosophy. This will require that we study the basics of several kinds of philosophy. When we understand the types of philosophy, and their use by the Church, we understand the writings of the Church more clearly.

 

Required texts and videos:

Pope John Paul II’s, Fides et Ratio (Faith and Reason) which is available at:
https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_14091998_fides-et-ratio.html

Catechism of the Catholic Church

 

Catholic Thinkers YouTube page:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6cPgDv4oMrt_j-4t-T-TwPDUcLE0sj3C&si=frZSBg7fMst8CSFQ

 

Note on the Review Section 

I have provided a Review Section. As you listen to Prof. Ashley’s lectures and read John Paul II’s Fides et Ratio make sure you can answer the following questions and define terms in the Review Section.

 

Class Schedule:

 

·         Lesson1 Why do theologians study philosophy?

o   Watch video 1: Why Theologians Need Worldly Knowledge

o   Read John Paul II Fides Et Ratio: Introduction - “Know Yourself” available on the Vatican website

o   Answer the Review Questions at the bottom of the document for Lecture 1

o   Essay Quiz on Lesson 1 due by Saturday night at 9 p.m.

 

·         Lesson 2 Types of Philosophy – History of Ancient and Middle Age Philosophy

o   Watch video 2: Why Theologians Must Choose an Epistemology

o   Read John Paul II Fides Et Ratio Chapter 1: "The Revelation of God's Wisdom"

o   Work on the Review section 

o   Itemize and describe at least two points that you considered important in the John Paul II reading

o   Essay Quiz on Lesson 2 due by Saturday night at 9 p.m.

 

·         Lesson 3 Types of Philosophy – Modern World

o   Watch video 3: Why Theology Has Difficulty with Modern Philosophy

o   Read John Paul II Fides Et Ratio Chapter 2: " Credo Ut Intellegam"

o   Work on the Review section 

o   Itemize and describe at least two points that you considered important in the John Paul II reading

o   Essay Quiz on Lesson 3 due by Saturday night at 9 p.m.

 

·         Lesson 4 Types of Philosophy – Logic

o   Watch video 4: Why Theologians Must Know the Liberal Arts

o   Read John Paul II Fides Et Ratio Chapter 3: " Intellego Ut Credam"

o   Work on the Review section 

o   Itemize and describe at least two points that you considered important in the John Paul II reading

o   Essay Quiz on Lesson 4 due by Saturday night by 9 p.m.

 

·         Lesson 5 Types of Philosophy – Natural Philosophy

o   Watch video 5: Science and Religion: Kant, Newton, Einstein

o  Read John Paul II Fides Et Ratio Chapter 4: "The Relationship between Faith and Reason"

o   Work on the Review section 

o   Itemize and describe at least two points that you considered important in the John Paul II reading

o   Essay Quiz on Lesson 5 due by Saturday night by 9 p.m.

 

·         Lesson 6

o   Watch video 6: The Human Person: Descartes, Heidegger

o   Read John Paul II Fides Et Ratio Chapter 5: "The Magisterium's Interventions in Philosophical Matters"

o   Work on the Review section 

o   Itemize and describe at least two points that you considered important in the John Paul II reading

o   Essay Quiz on Lesson 6 due by Saturday night by 9 p.m.

 

·         Lesson 7 Types of Philosophy – Metaphysics

o   Watch video 7: Ethics and Politics: Kant, Hume

o   Read John Paul II Fides Et Ratio Chapter 6: "The Interaction between Philosophy and Theology"

o   Work on the Review section 

o   Itemize and describe at least two points that you considered important in the John Paul II reading

o   Essay Quiz on Lesson 7 due by Saturday night by 9 p.m.

 

·         Lesson 8 Types of Philosophy – Epistemology

o   Watch video 8: Technology and Environment 

o   Read John Paul II Fides Et Ratio Chapter 7: "Current Requirements and Tasks"

o   Work on the Review section 

o   Itemize and describe at least two points that you considered important in the John Paul II reading

o   Essay Quiz on Lesson 8 due by Saturday night by 9 p.m.

 

·         Lesson 9 Types of Philosophy – Philosophical Psychology and the Nature of the Person

o   Watch video 9: History: Hegel, Thucydides

o   Read John Paul II Fides Et Ratio Chapter 8: "Conclusion"

o   Work on the Review section 

o   Itemize and describe at least two points that you considered important in the John Paul II reading

o   Essay Quiz on Lesson 9 due by Saturday night by 9 p.m.

 

·         Lesson 10 Types of Philosophy – Personhood and Incarnation

o   Watch video 10: Creation

o   Work on the Review section 

o   Essay Quiz on Lesson 10 due by Saturday night by 9 p.m.

 

·         Lesson 11 Types of Philosophy – Social Philosophy

o   Watch video 11: Incarnation

o   Work on the Review section 

o   Essay Quiz on Lesson 11 due by Saturday night by 9 p.m.

 

·         Lesson 12

o   Watch video 12: The Church

o   Work on the Review section 

o   Essay Quiz 12 on Lesson 12 due by Saturday night by 9 p.m.

 

·         Lesson 13 Principles of Thomistic Philosophy

o   Watch video 13

o   Essay Quiz on Lesson 12-13 due by Saturday night by 9 p.m.

 

·         Lesson 14 Definition of Philosophical Terms

o   Essay Final Exam on Lessons 1-14 due by Saturday night by 9 pm.

 

This course can be taken for credit or may be audited for a reduced fee of $150. If interested in auditing, please contact Elizabeth Froula efroula@pontifex.university

 

Proprietary Interest Policy:

Faculty are permitted to refer to notable past work and achievements (including publications and educational activities not offered by Pontifex University, and even those offered for personal profit) in their published biography on the Pontifex website and course promotions. In the context of educational activities undertaken for Pontifex University, including videos, live or recorded, teachers, can recommend or bring to the attention such work for students (even if for personal profit, for example, books or podcasts) but only with approval by Pontifex University and when it is related to the teaching purpose of the class.  An instructor’s related work will be noted in the syllabus as appropriate.  Instructors may use their own materials as required in their courses and learning events as long as the materials are appropriate for the particular learning event.

 

Failure to comply with this policy will result in a warning or administration modification of course materials. Violations of this policy should be reported to the Provost.