Study Of Development In Philosophy

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31023, 31 March 1966, Page 14

Study Of Development In Philosophy

A strong psychological bent marked the many changes occurring in the development of philosophy in Europe, America and England as it grappled with the problems of today, said the Rev. B. M. O'Brien, S.J., prefect of studies and lecturer in philosophy at the Holy Name Seminary, yesterday. Philosophy now showed a growing emphasis on human beings and their personal and social problems and was being looked to by scientists to help them handle the immense amounts of new knowledge now coming into man’s hands, said Father O’Brien.

Philosophy was not in conflict, but was assisting science. Philosophy had as its purpose the judging and ord-

er of human life, and the problems it was concerned with were eagerly discussed by those searching for knowledge. Philosophy had a practical application to life, and its ideas filtered down gradu-

ally to people from universities, teachers, clergy, lawyers and others. Father O’Brien recently returned from a seven-month world trip to study developments in philosophy and the training of clergy; Visiting the United States, England, and the Continent, he stayed at universities, attending lectures and discussing philosophy and its teaching with university staff. On his return trip he also visited India, Hong Kong, and Manila. All over the world he noted an increase in university studies for clerical students, together with the introduction of more modern teaching methods in seminaries, Father O’Brien said. He hoped to introduce some new teaching methods at Holy Name Seminary from what he had learnt, he added.