The Institute for Philosophy, Technology, and Politics at Saint Patrick’s Seminary fosters dialogue about the forces and institutions shaping life in the contemporary world.

 

Saint John Paul II observed: “Everyday life shows well enough how each one of us is preoccupied by the pressure of a few fundamental questions and how in the soul of each of us there is at least an outline of the answers.” Many of the fundamental questions whose pressure we feel today concern the power of technology and of the state or political movements over the conduct of daily life—what this power is and what it ought or ought not to be. Such concerns are inescapably linked to philosophical questions whose foundations are both anthropological and theological.

 

Drawing upon the riches of the Catholic intellectual and spiritual tradition, we seek to engage with questions and insights arising from both Catholic and non-Catholic critical thinkers—whether academics, public intellectuals, journalists, or those working in political, legal, military, or commercial professions—who are seeking light on current developments and the future prospects of our civilization.

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Dr. Mark Shiffman

Director