Program of Priestly Formation (Ascension)

PPF 278

Intellectual Dimension

A liberal arts education gives seminarians an introduction to the wider range of human learning. Studies in mathematics and natural sciences; in the social and behavioral sciences; in history, literature, foreign languages—both ancient (Latin and Greek) and modern; and in communication skills, music, and the fine arts all define the content of a liberal arts curriculum. A liberal arts education also has a special value as a preparation for the study of theology. The liberal arts have traditionally provided seminarians with an understanding of the cultural roots of their faith. By understanding the human sciences, they can comprehend better the world in which God acts. By grasping how faith and culture have interacted in the past, they gain some insight into the working of God’s plan in larger historical events. The curriculum should also strive to take into consideration contemporary issues of the day in intellectual, cultural, social, economic, and political life as they pertain to moral and religious topics. Such an approach stimulates seminarians to deeper study by building on current knowledge and interests. The authentic social doctrine of the Church on such issues should be clearly and cogently presented. 342 The curriculum should introduce seminarians to the basic teachings of the faith as well as to the richness and diversity of the wisdom attained in the Catholic intellectual tradition. Philosophy All seminarians in the discipleship stage study philosophy. Men who come to the discipleship stage in possession of a broader intellectual formation must engage in the full philosophical intellectual formation program outlined below. The study of philosophy is central to the intellectual formation of seminarians. The temptation to abbreviate

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342 See Ratio Fundamentalis , no. 172.

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