In Principio v17 no3 (2006)

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY WHY PHILOSOPHY? The unique character of Notre Dame is achieved in part through the teaching of a Core Curriculum. All undergraduate students are required to complete units in theology, philosophy and ethics. These units challenge students to immerse themselves in the search for wisdom that characterises the great traditions of liberal education. They focus on the enduring philosophical and theological questions of western civilization. These questions include the meaning of life, death, suffering, and the way to personal fulfillment. In turn, these overlap with questions concerning the existence of God, the nature of persons, relationships, morality, and freedom and responsibility. The philosophy unit has initially proven to be quite challenging for some students but soon most are captivated. . Students reflect: 2nd year history student, Tom Vanderveen: "Philosophy is a personal trainer for your brain! Studying Philosophy is providing students with perhaps the most important requirement for a rich, fulfilled and rewarding life, that is the ability to think! Undergraduate major, Robert Andrews: "Philosophy teaches one of the greatest principles a student can ever know and use throughout life: that it's OK to doubt, criticise, and be cautious about what the world tells them. In a world where conformity is so often expected without being questioned, there is no greater skill a student can acquire." Postgraduate student, Geoffrey Coad: "Philosophy is the soul that gives form to all worldly things. It is important because only through Philosophy can we attain complete understanding." Philosophy lecturer, Dr Anthony lmbrosciano, regularly puts the following question to his classes: Why Philosophy? Why should we care about Philosophy? What does it have to do with my life? What is its relevance? Dr lmbrosciano says, "In responding to t hese sorts of questions, I like to adapt the words of Joseph Campbell from The Power of Myth: My first response would be: go on, live your life, it's a good life - you don't need Philosophy. I don't believe in being interested in a subject;ust because it's said to be important. I believe in being caught by it somehow or other. But you may find that, w ith a proper introduction, philosophy will catch you... And once this sub;ect catches you, there is such a feeling of information of a deep, rich, life-vivifying sort that you don't want to give it up. "In my introductory lecture in PH100 I tell students: "Philosophy is ultimately about you. It is about where you stand on the big questions about life. It helps you to develop this stance by examining the answers provided to these questions by some of greatest minds in history. And your stance on these big questions will indeed influence your professional work. So the question is ultimately not about the relevance of Philosophy, but whether YOU are relevant. Here at Notre Dame, we believe that the answer to this question is an inherent "yes." So, by the simplest reasoning: Philosophy is about you. You are relevant. So Philosophy is relevant!" Lecturer, Joseph Naimo adds: "Philosophy is a way of life. The study of Philosophy may entail the exploration of a concept, an idea, or its composer whose many ideas express an interpretation of one or many aspects of life. Philosophy is greater than a perspective upon which it stands, however, as the abstract point of view. Philosophy is what engages the vie_w into action, reflection and attention ." -" The Philosophers - Lecturers. Dr Anthony lmbrosciano, Mr Philip M atthews. Dr Joseph Naimo and Dr Glenn Morrison.