High School Philosophy

Course Description:

In this course, students will be given a general overview of the major branches of philosophy as well as an historical synopsis of various philosophers and particular schools of thought, highlighting the true and the good while also exposing falsehoods. The branches of philosophy covered include logic, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, political philosophy, and philosophy of the human person. Historically, students will begin with the ancient Greeks. After studying St. Augustine, they will explore the scholastics with emphasis on St. Thomas Aquinas. Lastly, students will learn how to refute the philosophical errors of the last several centuries.

Required Text 

An Introduction to Philosophy  (Tan Books)

Author: Daniel J. Sullivan 

ISBN #:  978-0895554697                    

Instructors: 

Mr. M. Pius Bianchi, MA

In his undergraduate, Mr. Bianchi studied Catholic theology and philosophy, receiving his bachelor’s degree in 2004 from Holy Apostles College, Cromwell, CT. Afterward he studied at the Angelicum in Rome and then taught at Sierra Madre Academy in San Marcos, CA. Returning to Holy Apostles College, he completed in 2008 his master's degree in Religious Studies with a concentration in Catholic Dogma. He then taught religion at Xavier High School in Middletown, CT. 

Mr. Michael Steele, Ph.L.

Originally from Southern CA, Mr. Steele earned a Pontifical Licentiate in Philosophy (Ph.L.) with a specialization in Philosophical Anthropology and Ethics from the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Italy (2004-2007) and a certificate in college counseling from the University of California, San Diego Extension (2015). He taught  for 5 years at an independent Catholic school at the middle school and high school level while also successfully fulfilling the roles of academic and college counselor and director of campus ministry. He is currently a Radio Host and Audio Technician with We Are One Body Catholic Radio as well as an adjunct lecturer in the Philosophy Department at St. Vincent College, located in Latrobe, PA, where he resides with his wife and three children.