METAPHYSICS HONORS

Catalog description

In metaphysics human reason reaches the most fundamental of the first principles of reality, including the first principle, God. Consequently, metaphysics has from antiquity been considered the supreme form of knowledge, as wisdom par excellence, and as the scientia rectrix or “ruling discipline.” It is also foundational for the Catholic synthesis of faith and reason since it demonstrates the reasonableness of faith. Principally following the Aristotelian and Thomistic approach to metaphysics, in this course students acquire a deeper understanding of being, act and potency, form and matter, substance and accident, essence and existence, causality, participation, and analogy. They also examine arguments for God’s existence, consider the attributes of his esse nce, come to understand the world’s dependence on God as creator and the nature of divine providence, and grapple with the problem of evil. Metaphysics’ relationship to other disciplines is taken into account, in particular its relationship to theology and the natural sciences. Modern developments in metaphysics and challenges to it are also addressed. With respect to the latter, special attention is paid to anti-theistic arguments. The honors section includes seminar-style discussions and advanced assignments. Prerequisites: PHIL 205, PHIL 206, Honors Program.