Year
2019
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 2-hour seminar weekly
Prerequisites
9 units of first level topics
Topic description
This topic provides an introduction to philosophical thought about the nature of religious belief. Issues may include: the nature of and arguments for God's existence, the problem of evil, life after death, faith and reason, miracles and naturalistic explanations of religion. Though the focus will be mainly on Judeo-Christian faith there may also be attention to Eastern religions. A distinctive feature of the topic will be the attempt to philosophise with close attention to actual religious texts and practices. Students will be required to ask of philosophical writings: to what extent do they impose philosophical pre-conceptions on religion?
Educational aims
This topic aims to:

  • introduce students to important questions in philosophy of religion

  • equip students to assess intelligently the arguments philosophers have given on those questions
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic students will be able to:

  • explain the central issues and concepts in philosophy of religion

  • assess intelligently the philosophical responses to those issues

  • demonstrate a deepened appreciation of the nature of religion