History and Purpose

94.        The School of Philosophy, Letters, and Physical Sciences was erected in 1895. In the year 1906, this school was divided into three separate schools: the School of Philosophy, the School of Letters, and the School of Sciences. In 1930 the courses of instruction in the Schools of Philosophy, Letters, and Sciences were merged into two groups, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences. In 1936, the School of Philosophy was reestablished as a distinct unit, and its courses of study received pontifical approval on March 7, 1937.

95.       The School of Philosophy in its various programs is committed to the development of philosophy, especially in the Western tradition. It stresses the value of classical and medieval learning in the understanding of modern and contemporary approaches. It values European as well as American modes of philosophizing. It pays particular attention to those authors who have sought to relate secular learning to Christian belief. By insisting upon contact with the best minds of the past, it seeks to enable the student to avoid a relativism or skepticism on the one hand and a dogmatism on the other.

96.       In its various course offerings, the School of Philosophy attempts to cover the principal areas of systematic philosophy as well as to represent the major periods in the history of philosophy. It seeks particular strength in certain periods of philosophy, notably classical, medieval, and select schools of contemporary thought, and in systematic areas such as metaphysics, ethics, and the philosophy of knowledge.

97.       At the undergraduate level, the School maintains two programs: an honors program and a program of concentration, leading to the Baccalaureate in Philosophy (Ph.B.). These programs serve students who desire to concentrate in philosophy as a means of preparation for theology, graduate work in philosophy, or professional work in various disciplines. Certain of its courses are tailored to meet the specific need of seminarians preparing to enter theological studies.

98.       At the graduate level, the School provides courses of study which lead to the Licentiate in Philosophy and the Ph.D. in philosophy. In admitting candidates for the Ph.D., the School aims to be highly selective, realizing that only by training the most gifted will it have an influence in educational and cultural circles. Beyond the training of candidates for the teaching and other professions, it strives to be an influence in the profession through consistent publication, through the editing of professional periodicals, and through activity in professional societies.