Why Philosophy is Integral to the Formation Program
"The art of philosophizing in a Christian manner . . . is a philosophical refl ection that is vitally conjoined to faith . . . Revealed truth . . . clearly shines upon all that exists and will enlighten the journey of philosophical refl ection" (John Paul II, Fides et Ratio, nos. 76, 79).

The study of philosophy is not simply a preparatory stage for the study of theology, namely, for faith seeking understanding. Rather, philosophizing in faith, which is properly understood to be in harmony with the Word of God (Fides et Ratio, no. 81), must appreciate that sound philosophical inquiry has, one, a sapiential task, which is "the gathering together of human knowledge and action, leading all to converge towards a fi nal purpose and meaning" (FR, no. 81). Two, a sound philosophy also presupposes a realist account of truth and hence "the capacity of man to arrive at the knowledge of truth" (FR, no. 82). Three, it also presupposes a truly metaphysical interpretation of things—"in truth and beauty, in moral good, and in other persons, in being, and in God" (FR, no. 83).

"Only a sound philosophy can help candidates for the priesthood to develop a refl ective awareness of the fundamental relationship that exists between the human spirit and truth, that truth which is revealed to us fully in Jesus Christ" (John Paul II, Pastores Dabo Vobis, no. 52).

The Philosophical Habit and Disciplinary Framework
The philosophy program at SHMS aims to cultivate in students a philosophical habit of mind, namely, learning how to use human reason philosophically, which includes critically refl ecting on our beliefs, learning the principles and processes of logical argumentation, using the powers of reason to clarify, distinguish, and define—in short, proper philosophical rigor, and learning about the harmony between reason and faith.

"Methodologically, the study of philosophy aids the students in developing their own powers of clear critical thought and analysis" (Program for Priestly Formation, no. 168).

Therefore, as the Program for Priestly Formation states, "a philosophy program should be balanced, comprehensive, integrated and coherent. It should include studies in metaphysics, [philosophical] anthropology, natural theology, epistemology, ethics, and logic. It should also include substantial studies in the history of philosophy treating ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary philosophy. Some treatment of American [and British] philosophy or social [and political] thought is also helpful for seminarians in understanding the dynamics of contemporary society in the United States." Last but not least, "the philosophy of St. Thomas should be given the recognition that Church teaching accords it" as enduringly original (Program for Priestly Formation, no. 169).

Therefore, as the Program for Priestly Formation states, "a philosophy program should be balanced, comprehensive, integrated and coherent. It should include studies in metaphysics, [philosophical] anthropology, natural theology, epistemology, ethics, and logic. It should also include substantial studies in the history of philosophy treating ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary philosophy. Some treatment of American [and British] philosophy or social [and political] thought is also helpful for seminarians in understanding the dynamics of contemporary society in the United States." Last but not least, "the philosophy of St. Thomas should be given the recognition that Church teaching accords it" as enduringly original (Program for Priestly Formation, no. 169).

In addition, the philosophy program strongly emphasizes the use of primary sources, allowing the students to have direct contact with a given philosopher's writings. Grappling with primary sources helps students to learn how to read critically, think for themselves about diffi cult questions, and understand the historical development of different philosophical systems. Grasping the basic principles of these systems will help students show what is "true among them and be able to detect the roots of errors and disprove them" (Vatican II, Decree on Priestly Formation, no. 15).

The Church's Intellectual Tradition
Although the philosophy program studies the classical texts of ancient and modern philosophy, it emphasizes those texts that have played a foundational role in the Catholic intellectual tradition. Hence, among the classical texts read in the philosophy program there is a special emphasis given to the works of Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, and St. Thomas Aquinas. The program also incorporates the development of the Catholic intellectual tradition in the writings of contemporary Christian philosophers.

"Faith does not destroy philosophy, it champions it. Only when it takes up the cause of philosophy does it remain true to itself" (Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI). 

Associate of Arts in Ministry (A.A.M.)
The Associate of Arts in Ministry (A.A.M.) degree is designed to provide its recipients with an undergraduate liberal arts/vocational degree in a two-year format in the area of Christian Ministry.