Mary Catherine Sommers is Professor (1997-) & Chair (2003-)of Philosophy and Director of the Center for Thomistic Studies (2002-) at the University of St. Thomas (Houston).
Philosophy on the level of natural reason, like theology on the level of supernatural faith, pursues answers to the deepest questions concerning ultimate reality and the meaning of life. As St. Thomas Aquinas argued, faith and reason cannot ultimately be in conflict; any apparent conflict is the result of faulty understanding on one side or the other. While all major philosophers are studied at the University of St. Thomas, the philosophy of St. Thomas provides the unifying viewpoint.
The course offerings in philosophy are designed to promote these aims of a liberal education:
To expand the mind through vital contact with many of the greatest and most influential thinkers of all time;
To recognize and evaluate the underlying assumptions that govern contemporary opinion and to consider alternatives;
To develop a capacity and love for disciplined and creative thinking about difficult matters;
To understand connections among all the parts of an education; and to prepare for graduate study in philosophy, theology, law and in other disciplines as well as for a variety of careers.
Assessment in large part will be done in connection with the Senior Seminar, which is required of all majors.
