Description and Objectives

This course offers a brief and age-applicable introduction to the subject of “metaphysics”, considered the highest and most noble of the rational sciences and the highpoint of liberal education.  In addition to giving students a nascent sense of common metaphysical realities and judgments throughout one’s normal day, the course offers students the intellectual tools by which they encounter “glimpses” of reality as the fruit of philosophical judgment and contemplation – and the beginning of wisdom.

Outline of Topics Covered:

• The term “metaphysics”
• Metaphysics as a “science”
• Terms, principles, and their defense
• Relationship between metaphysics and other sources of human knowing
• Metaphysics and the modern mind
• Metaphysics & the modern university
• Metaphysics & the fragmentation of human knowledge

Textbooks

Philosophy of Man, Fr. Sebastian Walshe, TAN Books.

What is, Michael D. Torre, Scepter Publishers.

Selected primary sources

Course Requirements

Homework will be due at the start of every class; also, students can expect frequent quizzes on the reading assignments.

• Each quarter students will give an oral presentation on an aspect of the class.
• Tests will be given on a regular basis.
• Students will express in writing their understanding of key concepts on a regular basis.

Successful Students

Successful students will come prepared to class; they will come having completed carefully their assignments.

Successful students will actively participate in class by taking good notes and also adding to the academic environment.

Additional Resources

I am available outside of class and will make myself available for extra help whenever an appointment is needed.  And, I encourage parents to contact me with any questions or concerns either by phone or email: rybarra@heights.edu or (301) 365-0227 ext. 253.