Dr. Henry Schuurman

The Philosophers

Associate Professor of Philosophy
A227, 780-465-3500 x8045
Our email addresses are First Name dot Last Name at kingsu.ca.

Education

Ph.D Medieval Philosophy and Metaphysics, University of Notre Dame, 1979
B.D. Calvin Theological Seminary, 1971
B.A. Classical Languages, Calvin College, 1968

 


Research Interests
 Philosophy of Religion/Problem of Evil
Rene Girard
Friedrich Nietzsche

Current Research Projects
 Dostoevsky’s version of the problem of evil in the Brothers Karamazov
Rene Girard’s mimetic theory of desire and the problem of violence

Courses I Teach:

PHIL 221 - Introduction to Logic
PHIL 230 - Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 320 - Philosophy of the Environment
PHIL 321 - Metaphysics
PHIL 327 - Greek Philosophy
PHIL 343 - Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 351 - The Philosophy Of Friedrich Nietzsche
PHIL 391 - Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 495 - Senior Philosophy Seminar

Selected Publications & Presentations

  • Ockham’s Theory of Propositions: Part II of the Summa Logicae, (translated with A.J. Freddoso), University of Notre Dame Press, Notre Dame, Indiana, 1980.
  • "Medieval Theories of Divine Foreknowledge", Denison University Philosophy Colloquium, March, 1981.
  • "Evil and the God of Love", Calvin College Philosophy Colloquium, February, 1985.
  • "Plantinga’s Critique of Naturalism", The King’s University College Faculty Colloquium, March, 1989.
  • "The Concept of a Strong Theodicy", International Journal for Philosophy of Religion 27: 63-85, 1990.
  • "Two Concepts of Theodicy", American Philosophical Quarterly, July, 1993.
  • "Theodicy", Dictionary of Philosophy, Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1997.
  • "Critical review of Concepts of Person and Christian Ethics by Stanley Rudman", Religious Studies, 1998.
  • "Ivan’s Version", University of Alberta Philosophy Colloquium, 2000.
  • "Lament for a Fallen World", The King’s University College IS Conference, 2003.


    • Administrative Responsibilities

    Environmental Studies Committee
    Facilities Planning Committee
    General Education Committee

    Related Links

    Philosophy Major Program | Philosophy Minor Program

    Introduction to Logic, 2009-10, Winter 3(3-0-0)
    This course is a study of the logical principles of critical thinking and the typical forms of valid and invalid reasoning. This course does not fulfil philosophy foundations requirements.
    Introduction to Philosophy, Every Year, Fall and Winter 3(3-0-0)
    This course is an introduction to philosophy based on a reading of representative texts from the philosophical tradition. The issues connecting the texts to be read center on the nature of human being and experience.
    Philosophy of the Environment Every Year, Winter 3(3-0-0)
    A historical and systematic study of the structure and normed character of the various relationships between human beings and their environment. The ethical, aesthetic, or metaphysical ramifications of certain major environmental problems such as pollution, overpopulation, or resource exhaustion will be considered.
    Prerequisites: PHIL 230
    Metaphysics, 2008-09, Fall 3(3-0-0)
    A study of some central themes and problems in metaphysics which arise out of contemporary work in these areas. The course attempts to show the relevance of these issues to other areas of life and study. Often opinions and attitudes are shaped by unspoken metaphysical prejudices. The course takes a critical look at such presuppositions.
    Prerequisites: PHIL 230
    Greek Philosophy, 2009-10, Fall 3(3-0-0)
    A study of the major figures and philosophies in Pre-Socratic and classical Hellenic thought.
    Prerequisites: PHIL 230
    Medieval Philosophy, 2008-09, Winter 3(3-0-0)
    The course introduces the student to the main figures and ideas in the history of philosophy from 350 A.D. to 1350 A.D. Beginning with Augustine and the Church Fathers, the course covers the development of philosophy in Western Europe through Aquinas and his immediate successors. Special attention is paid to such issues as the relation of faith and reason, the idea of Christian philosophy, and the concepts of divinity, creation, human freedom and sin.
    Prerequisites: PHIL 230
    The Philosophy Of Friedrich Nietzsche, 2009-10, Fall 3 (3 - 0 - 0)
    This course will introduce students to the major themes of Nietzsche's philosophy. The course will focus on Nietzsche's account of morality and religion. The course will also examine his discussion of the causes and consequences of nihilism and the death of God, as well as the solution he proposes for overcoming nihilism (the overman and the eternal recurrence).
    Prerequisite: PHIL 230
    Philosophy of Religion, 2009-10, Winter 3(3-0-0)
    An inquiry into selected philosophical issues concerning religion such as the presuppositions underlying various accounts of the origin of religion, the relationships among faith, reason and revelation, the possibility of giving a rational defense of religious belief, and such topics as the problem of evil, immortality and the supernatural. Same as THEO 391.
    Prerequisites: PHIL 230 or PHIL 230 and THEO 250
    Senior Philosophy Seminar, Every Year, Winter 3(0-3-0)
    All students with philosophy as a first subject of concentration in the B.A. program are required to take this course. Students develop skills in philosophical scholarship by preparing and presenting a written project involving interdisciplinary research on an appropriate topic.
    Prerequisites: Six credits in philosophy at the 300-level