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Philosophy
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About philosophy at St. Norbert College Philosophy means literally "the love of wisdom." In the search for wisdom, philosophers seek answers to the big questions we ask about God, the universe, the nature of knowledge, morality, political life and human existence. In theorizing, discussing and debating these and other matters, we believe that, even when not arriving at "final" answers, insights are available for all who reflect seriously on the fundamental issues. Also, we consider our philosophy students here at St. Norbert to be partners in our joint quest for insight into the great perennial questions. Together, we seek to become better philosophers with a better understanding of truth, goodness and beauty. The Philosophy of Human Nature course is required of every student at St. Norbert. In this course, students will encounter representative thinkers from at least three of the four major historical periods (ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary). They will study Plato and at least one author from the Christian intellectual tradition. Every student majoring in philosophy will take at least one course devoted to each of these historical periods. The instruction offered in our courses features extensive use of primary source materials and places special emphasis on the development of critical thinking and writing skills. Pursuing wisdom and truth by formally and rigorously confronting ultimate questions is a basic characteristic of all philosophy courses taught at St. Norbert College. Why study philosophy? The aim of the philosophy courses at St. Norbert is to ground our students in the theories of the major philosophers in the Western tradition and to challenge them to incorporate what is true and good from those theories into their own lives. Our courses achieve this goal in three ways. As a critical discipline, philosophy teaches students how to analyze arguments and how to assess the value of various claims to knowledge. As a systematic discipline, philosophy develops an integral view of the world, with a special focus on the human person. As an ethical discipline, philosophy presents an account of the rational principles which ought to guide one's moral life. In short, the philosophy program at the College sharpens the student's critical skills, integrates the student's knowledge of reality and assists the student in living a more rational and more worthy life. We recognize that few high school students will have taken any courses in philosophy prior to their arrival on campus. The best preparation for the study of philosophy at St. Norbert College is a wide reading background, an ability to think logically and clearly and a love for the give-and-take argumentation about basic controversial questions that we believe is the only way to arrive at the truth. The philosophy program is enriched by the Killeen Chair of Theology and Philosophy, dedicated to the intellectual enrichment of the student. Throughout the academic year, students may participate in panels for peers, faculty, staff and the local community. Annual trips to philosophy conferences and local and regional student conferences further augment the philosophy program. Additionally, the annual philosophy scholarships, The Thomas Phelan and James Regan Award for Excellence in Philosophy as well as the James D. Madden Scholarship, are awarded to individual philosophy students at St. Norbert College. For additional information, contact Donald Abel. Philosophy mission statement The mission statement of St. Norbert College describes the College as "committed to providing an educational environment that is intellectually, spiritually and personally challenging." Consistent with its set of core values, the College is devoted to developing in students "skills in critical and analytical thought, quantification, synthesis, problem solving and communication" that they will learn to apply as responsible citizens of a diverse, interdependent, changing world. The aims of the philosophy program at St. Norbert, and the nature of philosophy itself, place the work of our discipline at the center of our Catholic and Norbertine heritage and the tradition of liberal arts education. A disciplined and concerned approach to the perennial and fundamental questions of philosophy will require precisely the critical thinking skills that the College prizes in its students and also will help to develop the language skills necessary for their fruitful application. A growing mastery of these skills also should nurture other qualities of mind and character conducive to responsible citizenship such as confidence in one's learning, a sense of wonder and curiosity and a deepening respect for others in our shared quest for wisdom and truth. Philosophy courses at the College are intended to acquaint students with the great ideas, the prominent figures and the broad sweep of intellectual development that constitute our philosophical heritage. Our curriculum is grounded in the history of philosophy and in the Christian philosophical tradition, which at St. Norbert is an indispensable voice in the broader conversation of philosophy. Among the core values of the College is the advancement of the Catholic intellectual tradition, integrating faith and reason in such a way that persons of all faiths and beliefs are valued contributing partners. In the appropriate courses, we include Christian as well as other religious authors and sources to enrich the dialogue. A community of learning that integrates both the rich resources of faith-based wisdom and the methods and ideals of rational inquiry provides the most effective context in which these core values can be pursued. - |
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Philosophy Phone: (920) 403-3119 |
