Dean's Welcome

Welcome to the School of Philosophy and Theology, Sydney. Philosophy and Theology sit at the very heart of every Catholic University. Every subject the University offers leads to ultimate questions of human purpose, origin, faith and destiny. These theological questions can only be addressed adequately and accurately if people first have practice in philosophical thinking—thinking which investigates the human mind, the nature of reality, the possibility of objective truth, the nature of argument and the elements of the good life and of ethical conduct.

The School has responsibility for delivering the Core Curriculum (Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Ethics, and Introduction to Theology), studied by every Notre Dame student. We also offer courses in philosophy—including the BPhil—and in Theology; as well as Majors and Minors in both these disciplines. In Philosophy we offer a 4 unit sequence covering the history of western philosophy, together with units on moral philosophy, professional ethics, metaphysics, natural law, political philosophy and many other topics. Our theological units cover Scripture, Christology, Sacraments, Spirituality and all key branches of theological study. We also offer Masters degrees and a PhD program.

Philosophy and Theology offer excellent resources for a critical mind. They also offer pathways into the nature and purpose of existence—pathways which are both ancient and ever-new. You will certainly meet us in the Core Curriculum—we hope you also take up the invitation to consider studying some additional philosophical and theological units. We guarantee that you will develop in your capacity to think for yourself, to justify your views, and to respond to some of the greatest arguments ever offered on the most important questions ever asked.

Professor Hayden Ramsay
Dean of School of Philosophy and Theology

Prof Hayden Ramsay