A symposium-style conference examining Aquinas’s proofs for God’s existence and their place in his metaphysical framework.
St. Bernard Abbey - Cullman, AL
Schedule:
Begins with Mass at 5:00 pm on Friday, December 4th
Concludes with check-out at 1:00 pm on Sunday, December 6th
Presenters:
Fr. James Brent, O.P. - Dominican House of Studies
Fr. Philip Neri Reese, O.P. - University of Notre Dame
Prof. Jennifer Frey - University of South Carolina
Prof. Thomas Osborne - University of St. Thomas, Houston
Fr. Ambrose Mary Little, O.P. - University of Virginia
Prof. Brian Carl - University of St. Thomas, Houston
Description: Aquinas believed that the existence of God is knowable to man through natural reason, and he set forth five proofs, or “ways," of knowing so. During this symposium, we will walk through each of Aquinas’s demonstrations of God’s existence, as well as situate the conversation within Aquinas’ metaphysical framework.
The weekend will have lectures on each of Aquinas’s five ways, opportunities for formal and informal discussions with fellow students and faculty, and time to socialize. The program will also include Mass and the Divine Office at the abbey.
Applications for the symposium are open to undergraduate and graduate students, especially those who are TI campus chapter members. Successful applicants will have costs of the retreat and travel expenses covered. The deadline to apply is November 20th.
For more information, contact Teresa Linn at tlinn@dhs.edu.
Recommended Reading:
Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, I, q. 2, a. 3
Edward Feser, Five Proofs of the Existence of God
Schedule:
Friday
3:00 pm Registration
5:00 pm Mass
5:30 pm Vespers
6:00 pm Dinner
7:15 pm Introduction and Prelude Session
8:30 pm Compline
8:45 pm Social
Saturday
7:30 am Lauds
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Session 1
10:00 am Break
10:30 am Session 2
12:00 pm Lunch
1:15 pm Session 3
2:30 pm Mass
3:00 pm Break
4:15 pm Session 4
5:30 pm Vespers
6:00 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Quodlibetal Q&A session
8:00 pm Adoration
8:30 pm Compline
8:45 pm Social
Sunday
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Session 5
10:30 am Mass
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Departure