TPT 3: Nature, Man, and Science

Trivium-Philosophy-Theology 3: Intro to Philosophy - Nature, Man, & Science  Having considered the universal tool of all science and art in logic and gained experience in the use of language to express what we know in rhetoric, we are now ready to consider the many things to which we can apply these skills. We begin by asking "What is science?" and "What are its divisions?" The answers to these questions set up a discussion of the question: "What does it mean to be wise?" In answer this, we explore the unified vision of ascendant education that stands behind the scholastic liberal arts and lay out a road map to guide the student as he transitions from the tools of learning to the sciences (natural, quantitative, and divine) that are the content of learning.

The course continues by digging down into the consideration of what would traditionally be called "natural science" and in more recent times the "philosophy of nature." Questions like "What is a nature?" "What is a living thing?" and "What is the purpose or point of the existence of each thing?" are considered. The course next narrows the focus to man: his nature, abilities, limits, freedom, and responsibilities--we will seek to define human nature and catalog its powers. Consideration will be given to the practices that set man apart from other animals, the unique inner life of man, and the deep dignity of the human soul. This consideration directs the students to the natural follow-up question "What is the point of human life?"