Trivium-Philosophy-Theology Primer: As a preparation for the study of formal logic, this class introduces the basic vocabulary of logic and the basic skills involved in recognizing and understanding logical terms, and statements. In addition, first steps are taken in the practices of using terms clearly, formulating judgments truthfully, and even constructing simple arguments validly. The knowledge and skills gained will make the transition into Trivium Studies 1: Traditional Logic easy and smooth.
Trivium-Philosophy-Theology 1: Formal Logic This class emphasizes the structure of logical reasoning, the form that right reasoning takes. It begins with an Aristotelian account of the three acts of the intellect: simple apprehension, judgment, and reasoning. These acts are verbalized as terms, propositions, and syllogisms, respectively. With this background, the students learn the four types of logical proposition, the square of opposition for understanding the ways in which those propositions are related, and the rules for combining propositions into syllogisms without error. The course concludes with the consideration of various complex forms of the syllogism and numerous case studies of famous arguments. The second half of the year emphasizes the practice of "translating" and analyzing "ordinary language arguments."
Course Description: Aristotle tells us that logic and rhetoric are closely connected, though different. Logic is ordered to scientific demonstration while rhetoric to persuasion. Quintilian broadens the scope of rhetoric to include all instances of speaking well. The student who has been learning advanced grammar and syntax in the Latin cycle, and who has taken Logic will find a completion to our introduction to the mediaeval trivium in this class. Drawing upon Aristotle's Rhetoric and other Greek and Roman works we will explore the three modes of persuasion, the five canons of rhetoric, the steps for apprehending the rhetorical situation, and other elements of the classical approach.
Rather than a "public speaking" course, the class continues the exploration of what language and thought are, that was begun in Formal Logic. It explores first the content of logical thought by considering Material Logic. It then examines the other modes of communication that complete the logos emphasized in logic (pathos and ethos); it introduces us to themes that will find their full explication in philosophy of human nature as it considers the ethical and humane conditions that one must bear in mind when wielding the profound and dangerous thing that is language. In addition, it offers a defense of rhetoric reliant upon beauty and lays out a practical imitative approach to composition, using the five canons.
Trivium-Philosophy-Theology 4: Natural Theology & Law. This course, following the division between natural and revealed theology covered in TPT 3, considers being as such and the divine by means of the natural abilities that man possesses. We will consider the basic principles of metaphysics, the nature and knowability of God; God's attributes; and God's Law and its knowability; the basis for natural law. The overarching goal is to look closely at what we can know, reasonably contend, or suspect in mystery about the Divine, basing our activity upon those gifts that we possess, naturally, as humans. We will make use of the writings of some of St. Thomas' contemporary interpreters as well as those of St. Thomas himself.
This course is intended as our second philosophy course and our introductory systematic theology course because it focuses upon what is best known to man by nature as a preparation for understanding the more profound truths that God teaches us in Divine Revelation. It prepares the student to more fully grasp and appreciate the implications of the Gospel of Christ.
Trivium-Philosophy-Theology 5: Revealed Theology. This course considers the divine by means of the truths revealed by God, unknowable by man through his natural abilities alone. The course opens with a consideration of the basic concepts of revelation and faith, the interplay of faith and reason, and the means of revelation. It then explores the fundamental aspects of Christ's revelation. Seeking to clarify what is revealed and how it affects our understanding of what man is. The methods of understanding revelation are explored (exegesis, mysticism, the development of doctrine, etc.), as well as the means of living in revelation (prayer, liturgy, sacraments). Each of the main sources of knowledge in faith: scripture, the Fathers, the teachings of the Church, and the work of theologians will be discussed. The most basic questions of the class are "What has God revealed?" and "What does this mean for us?"
This is intended as our second high school course in systematic theology because it focuses upon how revelation builds upon what we know of God by natural means and develops the students understanding of the means of revelation, as well as some of the essential truths of the Christian Faith. The course stands as the crowning glory of the TPT sequence in which the mind is invited to consider glories that exceed his ability to know by nature. Here is the revelation of the gift for which man is made.