The Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophy (MACP) seeks to engage students in a systematic study of philosophy as realized within the Catholic intellectual tradition. Students will become historically informed, independent thinkers who can critically and creatively engage in the discipline of philosophy as practiced in the spirit of St. Augustine of Hippo, St. Thomas Aquinas, and all the other great philosophers and theologians dear to the Catholic tradition. This program features three curricular tracks: systematic, historical, and pre-theologate. The systematic and historical curricular tracks have an option for a thesis.
The MACP fosters the pursuit of philosophy, mindful of the essential value that reason, and contemplation have for the sake of the goods for which the ministries of the Roman Catholic Church exist. Those looking for an online Catholic philosophy degree that is also available on campus will wish to explore this graduate program.
Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophy PROGRAM OUTCOMES:
A student who successfully completes the MACP can expect to demonstrate:
- The ability to philosophize clearly, knowledgeably, and cogently in speech and writing
- Competence in the vocabulary and concepts particular to the Catholic philosophical tradition
- The ability to evaluate the values, beliefs, and assumptions of contemporary culture from a philosophical perspective
- Familiarity with major philosophers, texts, and arguments central to the Catholic philosophical tradition, spanning from classical and Medieval philosophy to the contemporary developments in metaphysics and phenomenology
- A mature awareness of the importance of philosophy to understanding Catholic theology and its application to the Diaconate, priesthood, or other ministries within the Roman Catholic Church
Program Overview of the MACP:
12 courses (36 credits)
- Systematic Track Foundational Courses:
▪ CP601 – Introduction to Catholic Philosophy
▪ CP605 – Logic
▪ CP661 – Philosophical Ethics
▪ CP631 – Metaphysics
o Systematic Courses:
▪ CP614 – Epistemology
▪ CP621 – Philosophy of Nature
▪ CP651 – Philosophical Anthropology
o General Electives:
▪ General Elective I
▪ General Elective II
▪ General Elective III*
▪ General Elective IV*
o Capstone Course:
▪ CP900 – Classic Texts in Catholic Philosophy
*In the thesis track, General Electives III and IV are replaced with Thesis I and Thesis II.
- Historical Track:
o Foundational Courses:
▪ CP601 – Introduction to Catholic Philosophy
▪ CP605 – Logic
▪ CP661 – Philosophical Ethics
▪ CP631 – Metaphysics
o Historical Courses:
▪ CP611 – History of Philosophy: Ancient
▪ CP612 – History of Philosophy: Medieval
▪ CP613 – History of Philosophy: Modern and Contemporary
o General Electives:
▪ General Elective I
▪ General Elective II
▪ General Elective III*
▪ General Elective IV*
o Capstone Course:
▪ CP900 – Classic Texts in Catholic Philosophy
*In the thesis track, General Electives III and IV are replaced with Thesis I and Thesis II.
- Pre-Theologate Track:
o Foundational Courses:
▪ CP601 – Introduction to Catholic Philosophy
▪ CP605 – Logic
▪ CP661 – Philosophical Ethics
▪ CP631 – Metaphysics
o Historical Courses:
▪ CP611 – History of Philosophy: Ancient
▪ CP612 – History of Philosophy: Medieval
▪ CP613 – History of Philosophy: Modern and Contemporary
o Systematic Courses:
▪ CP614 – Epistemology
▪ CP621 – Philosophy of Nature
▪ CP641 – Philosophy of God
▪ CP651 – Philosophical Anthropology
o Capstone Course:
▪ CP900 – Classic Texts in Catholic Philosophy
Courses
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CP 601: Introduction to Catholic Philosophy
This course centers the student upon the discipline of philosophy as it has been developed and practiced within the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. The methods particular to philosophical investigation will be examined as the philosopher seeks to articulate the nature of wisdom, how it can be attained, and especially incorporated into the entirety of one’s life. The student will understand the differences between philosophy, the sciences, and theology, as well as their respective complementarities, with a focus upon the supportive and illuminative role that philosophy plays in theological education. (3 credits) -
CP 605: Logic
An examination of the three activities that define reason (Understanding, Judgment, and Discursive Reasoning), and the development and practice of the techniques that perfect them (definition, the judgment of truth and falsity, the manipulation of propositions, and the formation of a sound argument). This course considers the defects that commonly affect sound reasoning (fallacies), the distinction between sound and cogent reasoning (deductive vs. inductive reasoning) and the criteria that govern the difference between the two, and lastly what constitutes Normative Persuasion Dialogue and how such is to be distinguished from other speech acts. (3 credits) -
CP 611: History of Philosophy (Ancient)
A survey course from the beginning of philosophy with the pre-Socratics, through Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and ending with the Cynics, Skeptics, Epicureans, Stoics, and Neoplatonism. In particular, those problems posed by Heraclitus, Parmenides, Socrates, and Plato that are important to the philosophical tradition will be considered, Aristotle’s philosophy will be surveyed as a whole, and the themes that are central to post-Aristotelian philosophy will be examined. (3 credits) -
CP 612: History of Philosophy (Medieval)
A survey course beginning with St. Augustine, through the rise of Scholasticism, and to its end. Emphasis is placed upon the thoughts of St. Augustine, Boethius, St. Anselm, St. Bonaventure, St. Thomas Aquinas, John Duns Scotus, and William of Ockham. The relations between faith and reason, and metaphysical, anthropological, and ethical teachings will be emphasized as they develop the thought received from the ancient Greek philosophers and prepare the way for the rise of modern philosophy. (3 credits) -
CP 613: History of Philosophy (Modern and Contemporary)
With regard to the modern era, this course will survey the main philosophers of the rationalist, empiricist, and Kantian traditions, from Descartes through the nineteenth century. This will introduce the student to the authors of the 19th and 20th century studied in the contemporary era who respond to the major themes/positions of the modern era. It is with regard to the latter that this course explores the two major schools of philosophy in the contemporary era, namely analytic philosophy, on the one hand, and phenomenology and existentialism, on the other. (3 credits) -
CP 614: Epistemology
This course will consider the nature of knowledge, whether the human mind can know things as they really are, the twofold nature of human cognition (normative and empirical/rational and sensual), the relationship between the human person’s empirical and normative knowledge, the different kinds of knowing as well as their degrees, the different approaches to truth, belief, and error, and the metaphysical underpinnings of different approaches to the aforementioned concerns. (3 credits) -
CP 621: Philosophy of Nature
This course examines the ancient and medieval accounts of the natural world, specifically their understanding of nature, change, space, time, purpose, chance, and the principles upon which they rest. This is perhaps the most fundamental of all philosophy courses and, together with logic, establishes the vocabulary basic to the whole of the Catholic philosophical tradition. (3 credits) -
CP 631: Metaphysics
This course examines the basic concerns and principles that undergird the whole of reality and guide the way by which we think of the ultimate things to which the mind can aspire: existence, essence, the categories of being, the transcendentals, the analogy of being, and the existence and creative activity of God. This course acts as a capstone study to the whole of philosophy and is preferably engaged upon at the end of one’s certificate/degree studies. (3 credits) -
CP 641: Philosophy of God
This course concerns the natural ascent of the human mind to a knowledge of the existence and attributes of God – can God’s existence be proven, and can our language at least begin to represent God’s attributes without falling purely into metaphorical language or simple anthropomorphisms. The problem of evil in the face of an all-powerful, all-good God must also be considered, as too the issue of secondary causality. The main objections to these three concerns particular to traditional theism are to be considered and an emphasis is placed upon the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas in this course. (3 credits) -
CP 651: Philosophical Anthropology
This course investigates the philosophical discussion surrounding the human person. It appeals to the major writers on this subject with an emphasis upon the Socratic, Platonic, Aristotelian, Augustinian, and Thomistic traditions, engaging primary original texts themselves and also their incorporation into modern models of the human person, particularly the personalism of St. John Paul II. Among the aspects considered in this course are the following: what is meant by “body” and “soul”; how has the relation that exists between body and soul been articulated; how do we distinguish and understand the difference between the human person’s animality and his rationality; how do we describe human cognition, choice/free will, the human person’s affective life, and the social and spiritual aspects of our humanity; what is meant by the human person being made to the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27); and can it be shown that the human person survives his death? (3 credits) -
CP 661: Philosophical Ethics
This course will articulate the general components necessary to a sustained, unified, and useful investigation into the moral life. With a privilege accorded to the Socratic, Platonic, Aristotelian, Augustinian, and Thomistic traditions, this course will consider the question of human purpose, namely to be happy, and the means that must be marshalled in order to achieve this happiness. Among the issues to be examined are the following: how virtue, vice, and habit are related to the development of human character; how do we understand free choice and the many and varied roles that both reason and will play in the realization of a free choice; what is meant by conscience and its role in the moral life; is the society we live in and the friendships we enjoy necessary to the realization of a happy life; and can the purely secular approach to human happiness succeed or must this be realized within a religious context? (3 credits) -
CP 900: Independent Seminar
This course acts as a capstone to the training that has been received throughout the program through a guided discussion on all materials studied in this program. (2 credits)
For those in the Diocese of Albany’s Pre-Theology Program, the following three courses are also required:
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CT 671: The Revelation of God: Doctrine, Liturgy, and Sacraments (Catechism 1 and 2)
This course introduces us to those beliefs that are central to the Catholic Faith as guided by Part One of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “The Profession of Faith” §§1-1209, and to the liturgical practices and sacraments of the Catholic Faith as guided by Part Two of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “The Celebration of the Christian Mystery” §§1210-1690. (4 credits) -
CT 672: Sacred Scripture
This course introduces us to the study of the Sacred Scriptures and prepares us to study the Scriptures in greater depth in the seminary. The key themes of this work will be presented, as well as those matters that touch upon Scriptures’ origin, structure, purpose, authorship, inspiration, its historical transmission, and varied translations. (4 credits) -
CT 673: The Drama of Life in Christ: Action, Contemplation, Communion (Catechism Parts 3 and 4)
This course introduces us to the Christian understanding and realization of the moral life as guided by Part Three of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Life in Christ” §§1691-2557, and to the practice, life, and purpose of Christian prayer as guided by Part Four of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Christian Prayer” §§2558-2865. (4 credits)
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What can I do with a Masters in Catholic philosophy?
St. Bernard's Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophy degree program prepares the student for a wide range of missions including ministerial service, further graduate work in philosophy and/or theology, and work in the secular world. -
What are the prerequisites for a Masters in Catholic philosophy?
The prerequisites for a Masters in Catholic Philosophy at St. Bernard's include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. No GRE is required. More information on prerequisites and the admissions process can be found here: https://www.stbernards.edu/admissions -
Can I study Catholic philosophy online?
Yes, St. Bernard's offer's our philosophy degree online both synchronously (live via Zoom) and asynchronously (at your own pace) for those unable to attend in person. More information about pursuing a Catholic philosophy degree online can be found here: https://www.stbernards.edu/distance-learning-and-online-education -
How long is a Masters in Catholic philosophy?
A Masters in Catholic Philosophy at St. Bernard's typically amounts to 2 years when completed full-time. Completing the program part-time usually takes around 3 years. Our online catholic philosophy degree programs are flexible and can be completed at a pace that works for you! -
How many credits is a Masters in Catholic philosophy?
St. Bernard's Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophy degree program amounts to 35 credits. See above for our full program overview. -
Why study Catholic philosophy?
An understanding and approach to studying Catholic philosophy can be read here by St. Bernard's Assistant Professor of Catholic Philosophy, Dr. Marco Stango: https://www.stbernards.edu/blog/education-beyond-information
