General Course Information
Our classes are designed for ordinary people who want to "go deeper" into the mystery of personal existence—to increase their understanding and appreciation of its essence, its meaning and purpose—in an organized, philosophical way, and among friends.
Most of our students are Catholic, as are we, and discussions often refer to questions related to faith. But our approach is philosophical, not theological. That is to say, the starting point for our reflections is not Revelation, but experience. We are not decanting knowledge authoritatively, but trying to help students to interrogate reality for themselves. We want to cultivate in each other an ever greater sense of reverence for truth, a seriousness about seeking it, and a rigor in engaging the questions and problems that come before us. We welcome questions, challenges and objections. We love lively discussions and debates.
For now, classes are taught from our home, usually one evening every two weeks or so for a total of 8 sessions. They are a combined lecture and seminar style, with room for discussion afterwards. Discussions can be carried on between classes by way of an on-line forum at our website, where we also post various links and resources.
Students range in age from early 20s to mid-60s and come from widely different educational and professional backgrounds. We've had students with advanced degrees and we have had students who never went to college. All share a desire to stretch themselves intellectually and morally, a reflective, inquiring habit of mind, an interest in serious themes and serious books, and an implicit commitment to truth--to seeking it and to assimilating it into their lives as they find it.
Classes are taught by professors with doctorates in philosophy or a related field. They are not for credit; there are no exams or papers involved. Their purpose is personal enrichment, not professional qualification.
By the nature of the topics involved and the level of the readings assigned, the courses can be somewhat demanding at times. To get the most out of them, students have to be willing to give time and attention for dense reading and deep reflection on difficult questions. But they generally find that the rewards of that kind of engagement are more than worth the investment.
We hope you'll join us!
Discounts are available in cases of financial hardship, and for clergy and religious sisters.
If you would prefer a class in the morning, please let us know. We can begin offering these too as soon as we think there's enough interest.