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A Course on Western Thought and the Development of Culture
How to Think Like a Westerner is 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, this course will take 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 begins Wednesday 4 June at Catholic Cathedral College in Christchurch, and will run weekly with a short break over the school holidays.
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This series reflects the mission of the St Thomas More Trust to support Catholic education and intellectual formation rooted in the Western tradition. Each evening will not only introduce key thinkers, but also show how their ideas have shaped modern understandings of truth, freedom, and human dignity. Whether you're a student, educator, or simply someone interested in the intellectual foundations of our culture, this event offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with the heritage that continues to influence law, ethics, politics, and faith in the Western world.
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Cost: Base rate $10/session or $50 for all sessions in the series. Students and Gold Card holders $8 and $40. We want to welcome all who are interested, so please contact us if cost is an issue.
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Time: Wednesday evenings, 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Dates are listed below.
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Format: Sessions will begin with a 25 minute lecture followed by an interactive tutorial / guided discussion. After the first session there will be short assigned readings each week.
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Location: Catholic Cathedral College, 62 Ferry Road, Christchurch 8011
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Start Date: First lecture begins June 4th
Course Outline
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An Introduction to Western Thought
Focus: Fides et Ratio - Religion is the key to culture
Wednesday, 4 June
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Plato - Ancient Greek philosopher; early 4th century BC
Focus: Republic - Truth and unity; perception and reality
Wednesday, 11 June
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St Augustine - Church Father and Doctor of the Church; late 4th and early 5th century
Focus: City of God - A Christian understanding of history
Wednesday, 18 June
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St John Henry Newman - Catholic convert, theologian, philosopher, historian; 19th century
Focus: Grammar of Assent - Reason and faith; conceptual development​
Wednesday, 25 June
(Break for school holidays) -
Aristotle - “The Philosopher,” student of Plato, hugely influential philosopher and scientist; late 4th century BC
Focus: Ethics - the good life; hylomorphism
Wednesday, 16 July
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St Thomas Aquinas - “The Angelic Doctor,” theologian and philosopher; 13th century
Focus: Virtue and reason
Wednesday, 23 July
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Christopher Dawson - Catholic historian; 20th century
Focus: Religion and the Rise of Western Culture - Christian faith and its role in history
Wednesday, 30 July
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Conclusion: Western Thought, Freedom, and Faith
Focus: Religion is the key to culture
Wednesday, 6 August