MAX. NO. PARTICIPANTS: 20
LOCATION: Leiden
Friday 14.30 - 17.30
DATA: January 31 - May 23 2025
LANGUAGE: English
COST: €2.995
DEADLINE: January 4th, 2025
Philosophy and theology both explore the most fundamental questions: the nature of existence, the possibility of a supreme being, and what gives life meaning. Through readings ranging from the Bible and Augustine’s Confessions to Kant and Kierkegaard, you will reflect on the relationship between faith and reason, and consider whether a clear line truly separates philosophy from theology.
Teacher: Mr. Gerard Versluis and Dr. Jordi Wiersma
Jan 31 : Genesis 1-11
Feb 7 : Genesis 12-50
Feb 14 : Exodus
Feb 21 : Gospel according to St. Matthew
Feb 28 : Gospel according to St. John
Mar 7 : Letter to the Romans
Mar 14 : Augustine, Confessions, 1-5
Mar 21 : Augustine, Confessions, 6-9
Mar 28 : no class, vacation week
Apr 4 : Augustine, Confessions, 10-11
Apr 11 : Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Pars I, q1-2, q3 a3-4
Apr 18 : Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Pars I, q12
Apr 25 : Immanuel Kant, Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals, Chapters 1-2
May 2 : Immanuel Kant, Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals, Chapters 2-3
May 9 : Søren Kierkegaard, Philosophical Fragments, I-III
May 16 : Søren Kierkegaard, Philosophical Fragments, IV-V
May 23 : Examination
You will find the syllabus for this course here.
Advanced students in all fields. Recently graduated or professional: you are very welcome too.
Dr. Jordi Wiersma (president Pascal Institute)
Mr. Gerard Versluis (dean Pascal Institute)
From 31 January to 23 May.
Upon successfully completing the course, you will receive a certificate.
All class sessions will be conducted as “seminars,” in which Socratic conversations and close reading will take place. Students are expected to actively participate in the discussion for the duration of each class session.
The Studium is a dedicated study space for students enrolled in a course at the Pascal Institute. You are welcome to use it every weekday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The Studium offers a quiet environment where you can focus and find inspiration. For more information, please contact aanmeldingen@
This course costs €2995 per semester. 16 weeks of class, 3 hours per week.
There are various foundations providing scholarships for students. One such foundation is Landmerk, which specifically supports liberal education based on the great books. There are scholarships available for 100%, 90%, 75% and 50% of the tuition fee. For more information, visit: landmerk.nl/beurzen. Scholarships are awarded by an independent selection committee.
Many students have already been granted scholarships for our courses.
The deadline is January 4th 2025. You can start the application process by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
