This course is an introduction to contemporary philosophy and the developments of modern thought, beginning with phenomenology and the response to idealism and radical skepticism. Special emphasis will be given to Christian personalists such as Dietrich von Hildebrand and Edith Stein, who developed their work in the face of philosophical and political ideals that lead to a reduction of the human person, including utilitarianism, nihilism, and subjectivism. This course will help students to understand the key figures and philosophical undercurrents that greatly impacted the Church in the 20th century, especially Vatican II and Catholic social teaching.