Moderators: Stefano Rebeggiani & David Albertson

Christian contemplatives learned from ancient Greek philosophers that a good human life requires “virtues,” or capacities for excellence. In this seminar we will first ask: What is virtue, and what does it have to do with divine Beauty? Then we will acquaint ourselves with Dante, arguably the greatest Christian poet of all time.

Topics & Readings:

Session I: Beauty and virtue in Greek contemplation

Reading: Dante, Vita Nuova, Chapters 1-3; 26

Session II: Introduction to Dante

Reading: Dante, Inferno 1, 2, 5, 26

Seminar Schedule:

9:00-9:30 Mass in Church of Our Savior (optional)
9:30-10:00 Coffee & donuts on the patio
10:00-11:30 Session 1 in Newman Hall
11:30-12:30 Buffet Lunch outside on the patio
12:30-1:30 Session 2 in Newman Hall

This series is made possible by the support of the Grant “In Lumine: Supporting the Catholic Intellectual Tradition on Campuses Nationwide” from the John Templeton Foundation, Grant #62372.