This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
What is the role of metaphysics? Register for this course to journey with us as we discover together this portion of philosophy that addresses the key elements of existence and reality. Find out how these essential concepts have played a role in the Church’s understanding of the divine.
Special Notes: All course materials are provided free by the instructor.
Total number of class meetings: 15
Duration: 55 minutes per class
Prerequisite: None. However, Early Greek Philosophy (live or recorded) is recommended.
Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade
Suggested credit: One full semester Philosophy or Metaphysics
Description
This course examines basic philosophical terms and concepts regarding “being” with an emphasis on the tradition of Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas. Metaphysics (a.k.a. Ontology) is commonly thought to be the highest branch of philosophy because it pertains to everything, that is, all existence. It has implications in all other fields of knowledge, including science, mathematics, and especially theology. Grasping the essence of reality will help you literally understand everything more.
Outline
Week 1: Introduction
Week 2: Pre-Socratic Metaphysics (Part 1)
Week 3: Pre-Socratic Metaphysics (Part 2)
Week 4: Pre-Socratic Metaphysics (Part 3)
Week 5: Platonic Metaphysics
Week 6: Aristotelian Metaphysics
Week 7: Post-Aristotelian Metaphysics
Week 8: Scholastic Metaphysics
Week 9: Thomistic Metaphysics (Part 1)
Week 10: Thomistic Metaphysics (Part 2)
Week 11: Thomistic Metaphysics (Part 3)
Week 12: Thomistic Metaphysics (Part 4)
Week 13: Thomistic Metaphysics (Part 5)
Week 14: Post-Thomistic Metaphysics
Week 15: Modern Metaphysics
Materials and Homework
Course materials: All materials provided free by the instructor as downloadable PDF files.
Homework: Homework will involve periodic quizzes with fill-in-the-blank and multiple-choice questions, and one comprehensive final exam.
