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.

St. Thomas Philosophy of Religion Project Announces Two Prizes

The St. Thomas Philosophy of Religion Project announces two prizes for work in the philosophy of religion and/or philosophical theology: (1) The 2009 Excellence in Philosophy of Religion Prize, and (2) The C.S. Lewis Prize. Both prizes have been made possible by a generous grant from the John Templeton Foundation. Click here for more information and application guidelines.

 

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 were invited to apply to participate in the 2010 St. Thomas Summer Seminar in Philosophy of Religion and Philosophical Theology. Twenty selected participants 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 information.

2009-2010 Philosophy Student Essay Contest 

The University of St. Thomas Philosophy Department is sponsoring the second annual UST Philosophy Student Essay Contest. UST undergraduate student papers on any philosophical topic will be considered. Submissions must be received by Monday, March 1, 2010. Click here for complete submission 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. W. Matthews Grant and Dr. Christopher Toner will assist with editing the journal. 

 

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.