Seaver College Introduces Foundations of Reasoning Course to Core Curriculum
Seaver College has introduced Foundations of Reasoning to the Seaver Core curriculum in order to encourage students to engage deeply with the works of great thinkers who have shaped the Western intellectual tradition. Designed to strengthen students’ reasoning skills through the close study and discussion of foundational concepts such as truth, beauty, freedom, relationships, and justice, this course serves as preparation for all academic and life paths.
Paul Begin, interim senior associate dean of Seaver College, oversaw the formation of Foundations of Reasoning and facilitated its introduction into Seaver’s curriculum. In addition to equipping students with the intellectual tools to recognize, understand, and construct sound arguments, this course prioritizes cultivating students’ ability to engage with others through shared inquiry.
“There's an argument to be made that philosophy, in the broadest sense, is the backbone of the liberal arts and higher education,” Begin explains. “My personal hope is that Foundations of Reasoning gives students a shared language across the college with phrases like intellectual humility, courageous thinking, and charitable thinking. While serving as an excellent on ramp for the Great Books program or philosophy proper, these concepts can set the stage for life, so students are not just here to push through their Core courses, but to have some deeper cognition about a greater purpose and what is important in the world.”
Derek Estes, assistant professor of ethics and religion, who serves as the course’s program director, emphasizes that critical thinking skills are as important as ever. Considering that artificial intelligence is changing job markets faster than universities and industries can keep up, he articulates the need for students to learn how to think critically and adapt to new problems.
“We hope Foundations of Reasoning can make Seaver graduates the kinds of thoughtful leaders the world needs,” says Estes. “We also hope to inculcate intellectual virtues in students—virtues like open-mindedness, tenacity, intellectual humility, and curiosity. In a world sometimes marked by division and ideological siloing, we hope students will learn to engage charitably and productively with those who disagree with them.”
Andrew Tadros, current Seaver sophomore, expresses that the course has enabled him to further develop his reasoning skills alongside refining his moral character. As a sports medicine major, Tadros shares that concepts addressed within the course material are foundational to all areas of study since students are guided on how to “think well,” while redressing insular modes of thought.
“This class taught me not only how to think critically and logically, but also how to listen and reason in everyday situations with an open mind and curiosity,” shares Tadros. “Entering a new school environment made me broaden my perspectives in ways that I never had before. This course helped me to realize that disagreement and debate doesn't mean that someone should be deemed ‘wrong,’ but rather, that there’s always more to learn.”
Seaver first-year student Alyssa Hunnicutt, who is a double-major in biology and philosophy, shares that Foundations for Reasoning has equipped her to contemplate aspects of her personal life, which has enabled her to grow as both a capable scholar and well-rounded individual.
“We have discussed multiple ideas about love, friendships, and morals that have allowed us to think deeper about our own relationships,” says Hunnicutt. “It has been enriching to dive into conversations where the knowledge we gain is in support of the truth. I believe this has led to both an emotional and intellectual maturity that will better prepare me for the challenges I face academically, personally, and socially in years to come.”