UDallas is well-known for dialogue across disciplines, and this year, faculty from six different departments have teamed up to teach a brand-new seminar course titled Natural Philosophy, exploring the nature of knowledge and the physical world. The idea was born when Drs. Chris Mirus and Dave Catlett co-taught a Philosophy of Science course in fall 2024 and then participated in a faculty colloquium in spring 2025, led by Dr. Gerard Wegemer.
Inspired by the format of a faculty reading group that Mirus and Catlett had both participated in, the course is designed to alternate between lecture, faculty panel discussion and student participation. The seminar covers the historic development of the scientific disciplines, explores the ideas of objectivity and knowledge, and ultimately leads to discussion on the human search for meaning, order and beauty. The course is overseen by Mirus, who represents the philosophy perspective, and co-taught by Catlett from the physics and chemistry departments, Dr. Charles Sullivan from history, Dr. John Norris from theology, Dr. Deana Soper from biology and Dr. Paul Phillips from mathematics.
“The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds the most discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ but ‘That’s funny…’”
ISAAC ASIMOV
