Philosophy at St. Thomas

"The unexamined life is not worth living" -- so declared Socrates on trial for his life of philosophical inquiry.

The Philosophy Department at the University of St. Thomas is first and foremost about the examined life. We believe that exposure to the tradition of philosophy is essential to the process of liberal education, an education appropriate for a person free from the demands of constant labor and free to pursue activities that have provided humans in all ages and cultures with deep and lasting satisfaction--inquiries into the self and its place in the cosmos.

The department offers two courses that are part of the University's core of required courses. The first introduces students to basic tools of logic and to philosophical perspectives on human nature and personhood; the second introduces them to philosophical principles that underlie moral responsibility and to ways in which these principles apply to problems of the contemporary world.

The 2010 St. Thomas Summer Seminar in Philosophy of Religion and Philosophical Theology

Recent PhDs and current graduate students in philosophy, theology, or religious studies are invited to apply to participate in the 2010 St. Thomas Summer Seminar in Philosophy of Religion and Philosophical Theology. Twenty participants will be selected; each will receive a stipend of $2,800 and will be provided with accommodations and meals for the duration of the seminar. Click here for more seminar information and application guidelines. 

Philosophy Department Is New Home of American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly

The University of St. Thomas Philosophy Department is the new editorial headquarters of the American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly (ACPQ), the 82-year old journal of the American Catholic Philosophical Association. Dr. David Clemenson was selected to serve as the publication's editor at the ACPA's recent national meeting. Dr. Catherine Deavel and Dr. Christopher Toner will assist with editing the journal. 

2008-2009 Philosophy Student Essay Contest Winners

Congratulations to the 2008-2009 student essay contest winners:

1st Place-Joseph Kuharski
2nd Place-Robert Crane
3rd Place: Steven Winkelman

 

Dr. Thomas Sullivan Featured in St. Thomas Magazine

The Fall 2008 edition of St. Thomas: The Magazine of the University of St. Thomas features an article on Dr. Thomas Sullivan, who has taught in the department for more than forty years.