The more human beings know reality and the world, the more they know themselves in their uniqueness, and with that there presses upon them the urgent desire to find out the meaning of reality and of our existence.’ Our experience of the world awakens in us ‘the fundamental questions which pervade human life: Who am I? Where have I come from and where am I going? Why is there evil? What is there after this life?... In fact, the answer given to these questions decides the direction which people seek to give to their lives.’ (St. John Paul II, Fides et Ratio). The first year of Philosophy invites students to join the millennia long tradition in the search for truth. Students are invited to enter into this search, to learn not simply about philosophy but how to do it. They learn by asking these fundamental questions

for themselves.

‘There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come’ (Victor Hugo). The impact of ideas on society is critical to understanding the world that we live in. At the intersection of philosophy and the human experience, particularly in the context of human experience in communal society, is a fascinating and enlightening confluence of Faith, reason and logic. This year’s programme in philosophy explores this confluence which can often be at variance with the Christian ideal but which clearly enables the student to grasp the importance, the influence and the impact of ideas and philosophies on our modern society, for good or for

evil.

Is the soul immortal? How should a human society be governed? What things actually exist? What is virtue? These questions and many more were first posed in recorded history by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle and the world has never been the same since. This course invites students to enter the discussion in the quest for what is True, Good, and Beautiful. Indeed, the thought of Plato and Aristotle sets the stage for not only Roman and Medieval culture but all of Western civilisation. The monumental achievements of Aquinas in synthesizing this ancient understanding of nature and existence with the Christian tradition provides a window into the many ways in which the Ancient World anticipates the greatest event in history.

Studying the origin of political thought and its implementation on a large scale allows us to develop an awareness of political philosophy’s enormous influence in modern times. This adds both philosophical and historical depth to our understanding of past events and allows us to respond properly to the challenges that await us in the future. If there is any lingering doubt that philosophy is practical in the “real world,” this course will dispel that doubt quickly. In fact, studying political philosophy allows modern politics to come into a new focus and can help enkindle a desire to engage the world and build the ‘City of God’ like never before.