Philosophy
Want to discover the many philosophical and spiritual wonders that many schools pass over? TAN courses bring quality, comprehensive courses on metaphysics, virtue, and Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethics. You can feel relieved knowing that TAN Courses are 100% faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.
Explore Courses
Proofs for the Existence of God: Arguments from Logic and Experience
Taught by Laura Garcia, Ph.D.
Join Dr. Laura Garcia as she navigates through the biggest question of philosophy: “does God exist?” In this series, you will encounter various arguments for God’s existence. Dr. Garcia will begin by making a case for the existence of God, and considering whether the case actually supports the conclusion. A philosophical argument, appeals to various reasons. As in a court, we must first begin with a claim, we then argue our case and draw various reasons to support our position. In this current study, the claim is that God exists, and our arguments will seek to support this claim.
Ultimate Questions, Ultimate Answers: Metaphysics from the Pre-Socratics to Aquinas
Taught by Gregory T. Doolan, Ph.D.
From the beginning of time, people have wondered about the meaning of human life. Who are we? Why are we here? What is the point of it all? These questions have eternal significance, and just asking them tends to change the way people live their lives.
Dr. Doolan begins with the roots of metaphysics in pre-Christian Greek philosophy from the great minds of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The course highlights the crowning philosophical achievements of St. Thomas Aquinas during the 13th century. Finally, Dr. Doolan references the modern philosophical decline that followed St. Thomas Aquinas.
Seven Threats Against the Culture of Life: From Abortion to Euthanasia
Taught by Scott Gaylord, J.D., Ph.D.
A complete understanding of these pressing life issues requires an understanding of the interrelation between science, law, and morality. This interconnectedness is all too often ignored in public debate about these life issues. Dr. Gaylord highlights Catholic teaching which considers law, science, philosophy, and morality to be part of a unified whole, rooted in the essential and inviolable sanctity and dignity of the human person.
True Friendship: Where Virtue Becomes Happiness
Taught by John Cuddeback, Ph.D.
Men and women are made, created, for friendship - but not just with passing or casual acquaintances. We are designed for real, deep, lasting friendship of the highest kind. Without that friendship, we often feel unsatisfied, empty, or simply alone.
In this course, Dr. Cuddeback deftly weaves together the age-old wisdom of the Greeks and the fundamental teachings of Sacred Scripture to reveal the most rewarding of human achievements - being a friend. He takes the thoughts of the great philosopher Aristotle, the Angelic Doctor St. Thomas Aquinas, and the sublime teachings of Jesus Christ to illustrate the nature and requirements of true friendship.
Aristotle’s Ethics: A Guide to Living the Good Life
Taught by John Cuddeback, Ph.D.
Everybody wants to do the right thing, to be the best person they can be, and to help their family and friends to do the same. But why does man have this innate desire to be “good?” What does goodness look like? Are good and evil the same for everyone? Using Aristotle’s Ethics as his guide, John Cuddeback, Ph.D. answers these questions and more, showing how man is shaped by the choices he makes, and how continually choosing the good inevitably leads to happiness.
Aristotle’s timeless assertions on the nature of humanity are invaluable in their cogency and simplicity. Dr. Cuddeback’s teaching of the text from a Catholic perspective makes for a deep yet accessible lesson on the profound spiritual dimension of everyday life.
Every TAN Course Includes:
- 30-minute video or audio lectures
- Printable PDF study guide
- Deep theology taught by great minds
- Continued education at your own pace
"Of all the pursuits open to men, the search for wisdom is most perfect, more sublime, more profitable, and more full of joy."
St. Thomas Aquinas
Your Professors
John Cuddeback, Ph.D.
John Cuddeback, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy at Christendom College, where he has taught since 1997. He lectures widely on topics including virtue, fatherhood, friendship, and the household. He has published articles in Nova et Vetera, Quaestiones Disputatae, and other academic journals, along with a number of book chapters. In his blog Life-Craft.org, he applies ancient wisdom to life today.
Scott Gaylord, J.D., Ph.D.
Professor Scott Gaylord holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Notre Dame Law School. He currently teaches as Associate Professor of Law at Elon University School of Law. He has written several articles and opinion pieces on recent legislation in the United States, including most recently a paper defending the "Right to Know" acts proposed across the country which would require a mother to view an ultrasound before receiving an abortion.
Gregory T. Doolan, Ph.D.
Gregory T. Doolan received his B.A. in political theory from Georgetown University in 1993 and his Ph.D. in philosophy from The Catholic University of America in 2003. He taught philosophy at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. from 2004–05 and joined the faculty of the School of Philosophy at the Catholic University of America in 2005. Dr. Doolan’s research interest is in the area of Aquinas’s metaphysics; in recent years, his focus has been on Aquinas’s account of the Aristotelian categories of being. A native of Philadelphia, Dr. Doolan currently lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife and three children.
Laura Garcia, Ph.D.
Laura Garcia is a member of the Department of Philosophy at Boston College. She received her doctorate from the University of Notre Dame and taught at Rutgers University, Georgetown University, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul), Catholic University, Calvin College, and University of Notre Dame. Dr. Garcia is widely published on topics in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, and she has a particular interest in life issues and the vocation of women. She has co-founded two organizations: University Faculty for Life and Women Affirming Life.
John Cuddeback, Ph.D.
John Cuddeback, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy at Christendom College, where he has taught since 1997. He lectures widely on topics including virtue, fatherhood, friendship, and the household. He has published articles in Nova et Vetera, Quaestiones Disputatae, and other academic journals, along with a number of book chapters. In his blog Life-Craft.org, he applies ancient wisdom to life today.
Scott Gaylord, J.D., Ph.D.
Professor Scott Gaylord holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Notre Dame Law School. He currently teaches as Associate Professor of Law at Elon University School of Law. He has written several articles and opinion pieces on recent legislation in the United States, including most recently a paper defending the "Right to Know" acts proposed across the country which would require a mother to view an ultrasound before receiving an abortion.
Gregory T. Doolan, Ph.D.
Gregory T. Doolan received his B.A. in political theory from Georgetown University in 1993 and his Ph.D. in philosophy from The Catholic University of America in 2003. He taught philosophy at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. from 2004–05 and joined the faculty of the School of Philosophy at the Catholic University of America in 2005. Dr. Doolan’s research interest is in the area of Aquinas’s metaphysics; in recent years, his focus has been on Aquinas’s account of the Aristotelian categories of being. A native of Philadelphia, Dr. Doolan currently lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife and three children.
Laura Garcia, Ph.D.
Laura Garcia is a member of the Department of Philosophy at Boston College. She received her doctorate from the University of Notre Dame and taught at Rutgers University, Georgetown University, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul), Catholic University, Calvin College, and University of Notre Dame. Dr. Garcia is widely published on topics in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, and she has a particular interest in life issues and the vocation of women. She has co-founded two organizations: University Faculty for Life and Women Affirming Life.
John Cuddeback, Ph.D.
John Cuddeback, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy at Christendom College, where he has taught since 1997. He lectures widely on topics including virtue, fatherhood, friendship, and the household. He has published articles in Nova et Vetera, Quaestiones Disputatae, and other academic journals, along with a number of book chapters. In his blog Life-Craft.org, he applies ancient wisdom to life today.
Scott Gaylord, J.D., Ph.D.
Professor Scott Gaylord holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Notre Dame Law School. He currently teaches as Associate Professor of Law at Elon University School of Law. He has written several articles and opinion pieces on recent legislation in the United States, including most recently a paper defending the "Right to Know" acts proposed across the country which would require a mother to view an ultrasound before receiving an abortion.
Gregory T. Doolan, Ph.D.
Gregory T. Doolan received his B.A. in political theory from Georgetown University in 1993 and his Ph.D. in philosophy from The Catholic University of America in 2003. He taught philosophy at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. from 2004–05 and joined the faculty of the School of Philosophy at the Catholic University of America in 2005. Dr. Doolan’s research interest is in the area of Aquinas’s metaphysics; in recent years, his focus has been on Aquinas’s account of the Aristotelian categories of being. A native of Philadelphia, Dr. Doolan currently lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife and three children.
Laura Garcia, Ph.D.
Laura Garcia is a member of the Department of Philosophy at Boston College. She received her doctorate from the University of Notre Dame and taught at Rutgers University, Georgetown University, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul), Catholic University, Calvin College, and University of Notre Dame. Dr. Garcia is widely published on topics in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, and she has a particular interest in life issues and the vocation of women. She has co-founded two organizations: University Faculty for Life and Women Affirming Life.