PHIL 240-01, Philosophy of Religion, Fall 2005

Abstract

The idea of God, and religion more generally, has had a profound impact on civilization. In a study of God, there are many perspectives one might adopt—historical, anthropological, sociological, psychological, personal, or philosophical. In this course, as its name indicates, we will adopt a philosophical perspective. We will study God and religion using reason alone, unaided by sacred texts or church tradition. Our focus will be on ‘classical theism’, according to which God is an absolutely perfect being. (Classical theism’s major representatives are Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.) Our primary task will be to answer one, disarmingly simple, question: Is it rational to believe that such a god exists? In addressing this question, I have several objectives for this course. They can be divided into two categories. Skills: 1. To teach you how to read a philosophy essay a. (This may sound easy. I assure you that it is not) 2. To teach you how to present a philosophical argument clearly and accurately, both orally and in writing. 3. To teach you how to assess critically an argument. 4. To foster your ability to think critically and constructively about your own (and others’) religious views. 5. To foster your ability to do philosophy independently.