This course takes in a broad view of philosophy from the ancient Greek philosophers all the way to the philosophers of our own time. The elements of philosophy with which we are specifically concerned are those that have influenced the development of Catholic theology. We will open the course with assigned readings from Pope John Paul II’s encyclical, Fides et ratio (Faith and reason); we will do sections of that encyclical over a period of several weeks. In addition, the course draws on the encyclopedic nine-volume work A History of Philosophy by Frederick Copleston, S.J. Fr. Copleston taught at Oxford University for a number of years. We will also have readings from Philosophy for Understanding Theology, by Diogenes Allen and Eric Springsted. You will need a bible to refer to certain scripture passages that are relevant; and you will need access to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.