WHY THIS MATTERS
The world doesn't need more technicians. It needs people who know why they do what they do. People formed by wisdom, capable of thinking clearly, speaking boldly, and living differently. Liberal arts education isn't a luxury of the past. It is the essential preparation for anyone who wants to lead with purpose rather than drift with the crowd.
The St Thomas More Trust, in partnership with the Institute for Catholic Culture, is making that formation accessible.. Starting May 2026, we're bringing a cohort of New Zealanders through Philosophy 101. University-level content, virtually free, done at a pace that fits real life. Done in small groups that hold each other to the task.
THE COURSE
WHAT IS PHIL101?
"An introduction to philosophy especially through reading the dialogues of Plato. The course will emphasise first principles of reasoning, foundational concepts, docility to reality and to the wise, and a philosophical habit of mind."
- Institute of Catholic Culture course description
Lectures are delivered in video format by Dr John Cuddeback, philosophy professor at ICC and at Christendom College. Readings draw on Plato's Socratic dialogues, freely available online, and we will provide them in text, audio, and video format. Most lessons include a reading, a lecture, and a short quiz. The content is rigorous, but the pace is manageable.
18
Lessons
~6
Months
2 HRS
Per week
5-6
Per group
$0
Course content cost
STRUCTURE
HOW IT WORKS
INDIVIDUAL STUDY
One Lesson Per Week
Each week, at whatever time suits you, complete one lesson: read, watch, or listen to the Plato dialogue (~1 hr), watch Dr Cuddeback's lecture (~1 hr), take the short multi-choice quiz. Total: roughly 1.5–2 hours.
SMALL GROUP
Meet After Every
Three Lessons
Every three weeks your small group of 5 to 6 people gets together, ideally over a shared meal, to discuss what you have been learning. This is the heart of the programme: accountability, community, and deeper understanding.
STUDY GUIDE
STMT Discussion Guide
The Trust provides a study guide for each group discussion, so no one has to prepare solo. Questions are designed to draw out real conversation, not just review answers.
REGISTRATION
How to Join
1
Form a Group (or Ask Us to Place You)
Gather some friends, family members, or parishioners who want to study with you. The ideal group size is 4-6, but this is flexible. The key is that you won't be doing this alone. Decide on a group name. Don't know anyone? That's fine. Register and we'll assign you to a group based on your location.
2
Register with STMT
Submit the registration form on the bottom of this page. We'll ask for your name, email, physical address (for group matching if needed), and your group name. A suggested donation of $10 will help cover our coordination and admin costs, and will allow us to make a group donation to the Institute for Catholic Culture. Official start date: Monday 4 May 2026.
3
4
Create a Free ICC Account
Register at instituteofcatholicculture.org to become an ICC member. This is free and gives you access to all their content.
Enrol in PHIL101 - Certificate Track
Find Philosophy 101: The Pursuit of Wisdom in the ICC course catalogue. Enrol in the Certificate track (this enables the quizzes and final exam). Free of charge.
5
Begin Week of Monday 4 May
Start Lesson 1 in the week of 4 May. Your group will coordinate its first in-person discussion for around Week 3–4. STMT will be in touch with the study guide and cohort updates before then.