How to Think Like a Westerner

How to Think Like a Westerner was an engaging eight-part series exploring the philosophical and theological roots of Western civilisation. With insights from Campion College alumnus Stephen Woodnutt and Dr Robert Loretz, the course took participants on a journey through the lives and ideas of some of the most influential figures in Western thought, from Plato and Aristotle, through to St Augustine, St Thomas Aquinas, St John Henry Newman, and Christopher Dawson.

The series began Wednesday 4 June at Catholic Cathedral College in Christchurch, and ran weekly with a short break over the school holidays.

This series reflected the mission of the St Thomas More Trust to support Catholic education and intellectual formation rooted in the Western tradition. Each evening not only introduced key thinkers, but showed how their ideas have shaped modern understandings of truth, freedom, and human dignity.

Details as run

• Cost: Base rate $10 per session or $50 for the whole series. Students and Gold Card holders $8 and $40.
• Time: Wednesday evenings, 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
• Format: A 25 minute lecture followed by an interactive tutorial and guided discussion, with short assigned readings each week after the first session.
• Location: Catholic Cathedral College, 62 Ferry Road, Christchurch 8011.

Course outline

1. An Introduction to Western Thought. Fides et Ratio: religion is the key to culture. 4 June
2. Plato. Republic: truth and unity; perception and reality. 11 June
3. St Augustine. City of God: a Christian understanding of history. 18 June
4. St John Henry Newman. Grammar of Assent: reason and faith; conceptual development. 25 June
5. Aristotle. Ethics: the good life; hylomorphism. 16 July
6. St Thomas Aquinas. Virtue and reason. 23 July
7. Christopher Dawson. Religion and the Rise of Western Culture. 30 July
8. Conclusion: Western Thought, Freedom, and Faith. 6 August