PhilosophyProfessors: 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 19–May 3
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 18–May 2
Associate Dean Keeley

CLOSED 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 23–May 7
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.
May 14–June 21, Mon & Thurs, 6:30–9:30
Associate Dean Keeley

PL 25401  After Death and Dying
An exploration of life after death, including such questions as what difference does confronting death make? How are the meaning of life and death connected? Do we really want to live forever? How do technology and science complicate thinking? What evidence is there for life after death? Such questions are posed from a philosophical and theological perspective.
May 19–June 23, Thurs & Tues, 6:30–9:30
Professor Kreeft

PL 27401  Meaning of Life
PL27401 Syllabus
Happiness is everyone's end. It is not a means to any other end; other things are desired as means to happiness. But what is happiness, how is it attained? Some people are happy, some are not; what makes the difference? A variety of philosophers' answers to this very practical question are explored including Socrates, Aristotle, Aquinas, Freud, Dostoyveski, Buddha and C.S. Lewis.
Spring, Tues 6:30–9, Jan 17–May 8
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 17–Apr 28
Professor Soo