The Philosophy of Nature

Introduction

The creative artist reflects his understanding of nature when he portrays it in his art. Therefore, a right philosophy of nature is essential to his portrayal of Creation. This course, which assumes little prior knowledge of philosophy, shows how the use of reason can identify natural principles of the cosmos. Such a philosophy of nature, developed by Aristotle and clarified by St. Thomas, deepens our appreciation of the world around us and of the findings of modern science. Through this new framework of understanding, a bridge between art and science is created. Students will see that each deepens our sense of awe and wonder which fuels creativity for scientist and artist alike.

The Philosophy of Nature

PHILOSOPHY OF NATURE AND MAN SYLLABUS

Textbooks:

Dodds, M. The Philosophy of Nature. Available at Lulu.com
Dodds, M. Philosophical Anthropology. Avaliable at Lulu.com
Searle, John. Minds, Brains, and Science. Harvard University Press. 1984.
Readings assignments for selected texts from Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas are available free online at http://classics.mit.edu/Browse/browse-Aristotle.html and http://dhspriory.org/thomas.
Other reading assignments will be provided in each lesson’s folder as downloadable material.

Course outline:

Introduction to the philosophical approach
First principles of accidental change
Substantial change
Primary matter
Substantial form
Substances. Mixed Bodies
Causes
Quantity and Continuum
Motion I
Motion II
Alternative philosophical theories (ancient)
Alternative philosophical theories (modern)
Life
The soul
Vegetative life
Living substances
Sense and knowledge I
Sense and knowledge II
Sense and knowledge III
Colors and reality
Internal senses I
Internal senses II
The Intellect I
The intellect II
The intellect III
Creativity
Appetite and will I
Appetite and will II
Appetite and will III
Mind and brain
Mind and brain
Human soul, self, and personhood I
Human soul, self, and personhood II
Catholic Church documents on human life
Alternative conceptions of man I
Alternative conceptions of man II
Infinity
Place and Space
Time
Special topic
Special topic
Special topic
Special topic
Special topic
Special topic

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Lessons

Here is the class outline:

	Welcome & Introduction to the Philosophical Approach Welcome and Lecture 1

	First principles of accidental change Lecture 2

	Substantial change Lecture 3

See all 45 lessons

	Substances: reductionism and emergentism versus hylomorphism

	Primary matter Lecture 4

	Platonic forms Lecture 6

	Ancient philosophical accounts of nature

	Elements and the doctrine of "virtual presence" part 1