The Sensory and Beyond

What do we and how can we know beyond what we can sense in the physical world? Contemplate Aquinas’ thoughts on why the philosophical limit of our sensations is cause for optimism, whether slothfulness might actually be a virtue, and how suffering is foundational to the development of our moral lives.

The comprehensive and systematic character of Thomas Aquinas’ thought has for centuries informed inquiry into questions of human dignity, freedom, economic development, work, poverty, the environment, and other issues of global significance. Celebrate the 800th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Aquinas, exploring the ongoing importance of his thought to contemporary cultural, philosophical, and theological discussions. In gathering many of the most accomplished contemporary scholars of Aquinas’ thought from throughout the world working on themes in Ethics, Metaphysics, Epistemology, Anthropology, Political Theory, Christology, Trinitarian Theology, Sacramental Theology and Ecclesiology, among others, this series promotes fruitful interchange of diverse perspectives on the importance of Aquinas in the world today.

Featured Speakers:

• Moderator: Janet Effron, Director of Online Learning, McGrath Institute for Church Life, University of Notre Dame
• Roberto Zambiasi, Postdoctoral Researcher, De Wulf-Mansion Centre for Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy, Institute of Philosophy, KU Leuven
• Derek McAllister, Instructor of Philosophy, Loyola University Maryland and Towson University
• Melanie Susan Barrett, Professor of Moral Theology, University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary