Cosponsored by the Archdiocese of Chicago Vocations Office and The University of Saint Mary of the Lake at Mundelein Seminary
POINTS OF DEPARTURE
“It is through wonder that men now begin and originally began to philosophize; wondering in the first place at obvious perplexities, and then by gradual progression raising questions about the greater matters too…” -Aristotle, Metaphysics 982b
“The Christian remains the guardian of that metaphysical wonderment which is the point of origin for philosophy and the continuation of which is the basis of its further existence. Wonderment is constantly on the point of turning into a marveling at the beauty of existence as a whole…” -Hans Urs von Balthasar, The Glory of the Lord: A Theological Aesthetics, Volume V, The Realm of Metaphysics in the Modern Age
Philosophy begins in wonder: How can I explain what I see, put words to what I feel, or communicate what seems inexpressible?
Looking out at the world, one wonders: Is there some order to the universe and to my soul? Or is it all random?
We wonder most of all about the true, the beautiful, and the good: Is there such a thing as Truth? Beauty? Goodness? There must be, but so many people disagree! How can one talk about the reality of concepts that seem so hotly contested?
THE EXPERIENCE:
In this 5-Day Summer Institute, high school students are introduced to college-level philosophy and theology through an investigation of the three “transcendentals” (truth, goodness, and beauty). Notre Dame professors Jay and Jennifer Newsome Martin will lead students through a discussion of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Bonaventure, Aquinas, Newman, Ratzinger, von Balthasar, and relevant biblical texts.
Academic excellence is balanced with spiritual formation. We learn how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours together. We reflect on the vocation to which God is calling us.
We also balance work and play. Mornings are for lectures and discussion; afternoons and evenings for excursions to the city and fun programming (including a trip to Six Flags and the city of Chicago).
The Newman Forum 