This Philosophy and Dogmatics course is taught by Dr. David Haines, and will run from September 28 through December 11. View the syllabus here.

Throughout the centuries, philosophers and theologians have debated the nature of beauty, seeing in it a unique window into the divine being. During the classical and medieval periods, many philosophers and Christian theologians expressed the opinion that natural beauty was a clear indication of the existence of an intelligent creator. Beauty is said by some to be co-extensive with the Good, the True, and Being—God. Many even thought that the contemplation of natural Beauty was a way by which one could be moved to the contemplation of the divine nature. Contemporary reflection on beauty has moved in different directions, and some philosophers and theologians deny that Beauty can point anyone towards anything other than their preconceived framework for interpreting the world.

In this course, students will read through some of the most important texts from the history of Western thought in order to discover how the beauty of the cosmos points us to the existence of a God who is Beauty itself.

Online only, runs 10 weeks, meeting 2 hrs./wk. via videoconference + online discussion board. Register to reserve your spot and schedule will be set after a poll of participating students; if the class time does not fit your schedule, you will be eligible for a full refund. Note: all classes are offered dependent on demand and require a minimum of four participating students.