Dr. Patricia Murphy

Associate Professor, Moral Theology

EDUCATION

B.A. University of Toronto
Ph.D. Boston College

AREA OF SPECIALIZATION

Fundamental moral theology and theological anthropology, with an emphasis on Veritatis Splendor; moral decision-making and the “sources” of morality; virtue theory; Catholic teaching on sexuality and the theology of marriage and family

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Patricia Murphy is a graduate of the Christianity and Culture Program at the University of St. Michael’s College in Toronto. Her Boston College doctoral dissertation in Theology explored St. Thomas Aquinas’ teaching on the vice of acedia, or “sloth.” Dr. Murphy has taught at St. Augustine’s Seminary in the areas of the foundations of moral theology, bioethics and human sexuality and marriage since 2004. She has spoken on various issues of moral theology before a variety of audiences.

“People today are hungry for answers that satisfy, for truths that liberate and lead to authentic happiness. It’s a great privilege and joy – and very humbling -- to be involved in theological education in this time of ‘new evangelization.’”

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS / SELECTED AREAS OF SERVICE / PASTORAL WORK

  • Catholic Marriage: An Intimate Community of Life and Love (Toronto: Novalis, 2011).

  • Selected Talks/Workshops

    • What is the basis of our dignity and how can we affirm the dignity of the most vulnerable among us in these challenging times?

    • An Introduction to the Theology of the Body

    • Bioethics 101: Bioethics in the Headlines

    • More than a Feeling: The Well-Formed Conscience