The Trivium
The core of the Philosophy curriculum at St. Ambrose Academy is comprised of the trivium classes for grades 10-12. The trivium—or “three ways” of grammar, logic, and rhetoric are in many ways the backbone of a classical education [link]. Following on from the Junior High Grammar courses, students in the Senior High continue to take one course per year along the trivium track. At the Senior High level, these courses meet only once-per-week and they carry a lighter homework load than our other core subject area courses.
Grammar & Composition
Required for students in 9th grade, this course is described as part of our Course of Study in English.
Logic
This course complements our Religion II course, with its theme of faith and reason, with a study of traditional formal logic, which strengthens the students’ critical thinking as well as providing a philosophical vocabulary for theological study – essence, matter, form, etc. It is required for students in the 10th grade.
Rhetoric
Through classical texts, speeches, and their own presentations, students will understand the potential of rhetoric to lead the soul. Students will learn the origins of rhetoric and public speaking as outlined in classical texts from authors such as Plato, Cicero, Aristotle, and St. Augustine. Through lecture and discussion during each class, students will gain the tools necessary to identify and articulate the elements of good, developed rhetoric. Students will learn and practice the rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) and the five canons of rhetoric (invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery) by preparing and delivering their own speeches. This course, which complements the study of rhetoric included in English III, is required for students in 11th grade.
Senior Seminar
This seminar continues the art of rhetoric and places it in an interpersonal context by immersing our seniors in in the art of meaningful conversation. In a world increasingly marked by polarization, distraction, and isolation, the ability to engage in honest, respectful, and thoughtful dialogue is essential for us as Catholics and citizens.
Edith Stein (St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) wrote, “The entire being of a human person is destined for community. Only in encounter with another does the individual become fully himself.” Thus, the goals of this seminar are to cultivate habits of listening, inquiry, empathy, and the pursuit of truth through human connection. It also emphasizes the development of civil discourse as a practice of citizenship and a remedy for political and cultural malaise. Through deliberate practice and reflection, our seniors, instructors, and our guests will grow in the ability to have better conversations—with friends, strangers, elders and other wise people, and those with whom we disagree.
Philosophy
Students who are interested in pursuing a deeper study of the various fields of philosophy have the opportunity to take one or more of the following courses, which are offered on a rotating basis.
Ancient Philosophy
This course focuses on the greatest of the ancient Greek philosophers, Socrates, Plato, & Aristotle. Smaller selections of the Roman philosophers Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Cicero are also included. The course culminates in a close reading of the classic work On the Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius.
Advanced Logic
This course is a continuation of logic course that is offered as part of the trivium track described above. Students will review the basic laws of logic, but with a much deeper exploration of its philosophical foundations in the nature of the human mind and the nature of truth itself. More advanced and complex forms of argument will also be learned, analyzed, and practiced.
Medieval Philosophy
The focus of this course is on the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas, giving students the opportunity to delve much more deeply into Thomistic metaphysics, natural theology, ethics, psychology, and more.
Modern Philosophy
Unlike most modern philosophy courses, which focus on the writings of those who have had the greatest influence on modern thought, this course focuses on writers such as C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton who have made the most interesting contributions to philosophy from a Christian point of view.