Philosophy Professors: Brian Braman, B.S. Central Michigan, S.T.B. Gregorian, A.M. Gonzaga, Ph.D. Boston College; Richard Keeley A.B., A.M. Boston College; Peter J. Kreeft, A.B. Calvin, A.M., Ph.D. Fordham; Judge James Menno, Probate and Family Court, A.B., Ph.L., J.D. Boston College; Francis Soo, A.B. Berchmans, A.M. Philippines, S.T.B. Fu-Jen, A.M. Harvard, Ph.D. Boston College; James Weiss, A.B. Loyola of Chicago, A.M., Ph.D. Chicago.

PL 00501  Problems in Philosophy
PL00501 Syllabus
This course introduces students to the problems and procedures of the Western philosophical tradition. Examines selected works of such key thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, Descartes, Locke and Rousseau.
Spring, Thurs 6:30–9, Jan 17–May 9, Professor Braman

PL 08301  Explorations in Social Ethics
PL08301 Syllabus
Every culture treasures and transmits stories that graphically convey its values. Some stories, like the Exodus story of liberation and new freedom, resonate across time and cultures. Others are more localized and sometimes at odds with dominant cultural stories. This course examines both kinds of stories in works of literature, film, journalism, social analysis and theology. Readings include a study of Exodus, Jaroslav Pelikan’s Jesus Through the Centuries, Arundhati Roy’s Power Politics and Michael Walzer’s Exodus and Revolution. In the study of clashing stories, we conclude with the story of the universal family as articulated by Pope Paul VI’s On the Development of Peoples.
Spring, Wed 6:30–9, Jan 16–May 8, Associate Dean Keeley

PL 08701  Perspectives: Shaping Cultural Traditions
PL08701 Syllabus
What does it mean to be good? Is it possible to be both good and happy, both good an successful? Is morality subjective or are there clear ways to regulate it? How can we balance the individual and the community in our moral struggles? This course examines eight traditions of morality and ethics: existentialist, utilitarian, Catholic, Protestant, Christian feminist, Black theology, rights theories, and Aristotle. Students apply classic and modern thinkers to contemporary ethical problems with emphasis on current events and movies. Class meetings emphasize interactive discussion. Students discover the sources of values that formed their lives and develop a perspective for themselves and their futures.
Spring, Mon 6:30–9, Jan 14–May 6, Professor Weiss

PL 08801  Personal and Social Responsibility
Overview of major Catholic and Christian positions on a variety of pressing social issues: the use of force and problems of war and peace; just distribution of, and access to, resources; poverty; sexuality; and the role and status of women. Readings include selections from Augustine, Aquinas, Luther and the Bible as well as contemporary social ethicists and theologians.
This course is now considered a Summer Session course only and subject to summer tuition (estimated $2200).  Registration begins April 15.
May 13–June 20, Mon & Thurs, 6:30–9:30, Professor Becker

PL 28701  Life’s Complex Issues: Philosophy and Religious
Controversies
PL28701 Syllabus
Life’s complex and daunting realities bring us face to face today with issues that divide us more passionately than any other, religious issues. What does philosophy, a combination of human wisdom and logical agreement, say about God and evil, God and human suffering? Are faith and reason allies, enemies or neutrals? What about religion and morality, religion and sexuality, religion and politics, life after death, free will? Short readings and class discussions explore the questions that challenge and perplex us.
Spring, Tues 6:30–9:30, Jan 15-May 7, Professor Kreeft

PL 30902  Marriage and the Family
PL30902 Syllabus
Course explores the significance of the most fundamental and intimate human relationship, marriage and the ­family. It considers a cross-cultural understanding, the ­individual dimension and the interpersonal interactions which occur. Focus is on the American marriage and family to see why and how it has evolved into its present form.
Spring, Sat 9–3:30, Mar 16–May 4, Professor Soo

PL 60201  Philosophy of World Religions
A sympathetic, objective but comparative exploration of eight of the world’s major religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Zen, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity), beginning with the teachings of each religion and concluding with interpretation and discussion of ecumenical dialogue, especially between East and West.
This course is now considered a Summer Session course only and subject to summer tuition (estimated $2200).  Registration begins April 15.
May 13–June 19, Mon & Wed 6:30–9, Professor Kreeft