null

Foundations of Wisdom

TAN Academics

The Foundations of Wisdom

A four volume introduction to philosophy rooted in Saint Thomas, classroom ready and faithful.

Download Flyer
Audience High school philosophy, graduation requirement or elective, homeschool co-ops
Format Four volumes with study guides by the author
Approach Classical, Thomistic, clear progression from logic to ethics
Orthodoxy Faithful to the Magisterium, accessible, academically rigorous

Series Overview

Catholic schools are adding philosophy across the high school curriculum, either as a requirement or as an elective that strengthens college profiles. TAN Books offers a four volume series that is accessible and engaging, ideal for semester length courses. Created by Fr. Sebastian Walshe, OPraem, a Norbertine Canon, the series guides students from first principles of rational thought, equipping them to uncover truth and guard against error. Author written study guides provide prompts and questions that focus on key takeaways and help students master each chapter.

Volumes in the Series

Volume I, Logic

Logic is the art of thinking well. This concise primer gives beginners the basics for clear thinking in a complex world, producing clarity and a defense against irrational arguments. Logic primes the intellect for the pursuit of truth and enables true freedom.

Volume II, Philosophy of Nature

Understand the material universe through matter, form, and motion. Correct the modern errors that flow from a poor philosophy of nature. Following Saint Thomas, see how creation reflects the order of God, and recover a right view of the world.

Volume III, Philosophy of Man

Know thyself. Study the soul so that every branch of knowledge becomes clearer, since we know through the soul. With Saint Thomas as a guide, learn who the human person is, how he is made, and what he is made for. See that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Volume IV, Ethics

Ethics crowns the series. With Aristotle and Saint Thomas, learn how living according to the Church’s perennial philosophy is rational and leads to the perfection of the human person. See how natural reason harmonizes with the ethics of Holy Mother Church and points to our end, union with God.

About the Author

Fr. Sebastian Walshe, OPraem, professor of philosophy in the seminary program, studied at Thomas Aquinas College and The Catholic University of America, where he received a license in Philosophy, and at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas, the Angelicum, where he earned an M.S.T. and a Ph.D. in Philosophy. His thesis, The Primacy of the Common Good as the Root of Personal Dignity in the Doctrine of Saint Thomas Aquinas, reflects deep engagement with Catholic philosophy. He also served as a visiting professor in the Philosophy Department at the Angelicum from 2003 to 2005.

Ready for classroom integration

Printable one sheet for administrators, teachers, and parents.

Download Flyer