As the second annual Classics for Classics – a week-long event inviting alumni and friends back to the classroom on the StFX campus, this time without examinations – headed into the record books, participants were raving about the experience and already looking forward to next summer’s event.

In all, 25 participants attended the July 4-9 event to study and discuss philosophy. Teaching is led by StFX philosophy professor Dr. Steve Baldner with the help of numerous guest lecturers from the Faculty of Arts.

Dr. Steve Baldner (above) leads discussion during Classics for Classics.

This year’s theme was René Descartes, Meditations on First Philosophy. 

Dr. Baldner says the program came about last year because of two convictions he’s long held: that alumni want to continue the education started, but not ended, during their undergraduate years; and that StFX should do something for alumni who have been so supportive.

The event was free for StFX alumni, with a nominal cost for non-alumni.

Response has been fantastic.
 
An overheard remark from one of the participants: “This philosophy is so important, but it’s wasted on 18-year-old undergraduates.”