| Unit name | Philosophy of Religion |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHIL20043 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Pettigrew |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Philosophy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences |
The philosophy of religion is a wide and varied philosophical discipline that cuts across ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and aesthetics. In this unit, we will consider the ethical implications of belief in a god, as well as the possibility of morality without the existence of a god. We will ask whether the usual descriptions of the nature of the Judeo-Christian God are coherent, and what their consequences would be for the possibility of free will. We will investigate whether there are good arguments for the existence of a god, and we will consider exactly what such arguments could hope to establish. We will look at the apparent tension between contemporary science and religion, and ask whether it is really worrying for the theist.
Aims:
This unit aims to introduce students to the varied discipline of the philosophy of religion in all its major aspects.
On successful completion of this unit, students will:
1) Understand the major philosophical problems facing religious belief and religious practice.
2) Understand and be able to evaluate critically the extant solutions to these problems.
10 x 1hr lectures; 10 x 1hr tutorials
Three hour unseen examination.
