Academic Retreat: Dietrich von Hildebrand’s Aesthetics

An Academic Retreat at the Kingfisher Center in Austin, Texas, led by Maria Fedoryka, Phd, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Ave Maria University.

About the Leader

Maria Fedoryka has studied, taught and lectured widely on questions related to the nature and dignity of the human person, especially the philosophy of love, and the place of love in the lives of persons, examining issues spanning from the centrality of love in the being of God, to its role at the center of creation, to its meaning for marriage, family, and sexuality.

About the Text

Written in the early 1970s during the last years of his life, as if harvesting a lifetime of reflection, Aesthetics is Dietrich von Hildebrand’s comprehensive two-volume study and defense of beauty and art.

The retreat is open to anyone who wishes to join others and reason together as friends, including especially

• Graduate students

• University professors  

• Teachers, educators, and school leaders

• Anyone with an appreciation for liberal education

The Valor Institute accepts between eight and ten guests per retreat.

Important Details

Travel: participants are expected to pay for their own travel to and from the retreat. We recommend flying into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and arrive by 10:00 a.m. the day of the retreat.

Cost: $1200

Scholarship: we ask all applicants to pursue funding sources through their home institution. The Valor Institute also has scholarship money available. To apply, please email Joel VanDerworp with a letter of recommendation along with your retreat application.

Sponsorship: the Valor Institute is looking for partners to join us in expanding our retreat offerings. Click here to learn more about how you can support the Valor Institute.