PHIL 357
PHIL 357: Philosophy of Religion
Instructor: Jack Zupko
Course Description
In this course, we look at the application of reason to religious questions such as the existence of God, the divine attributes, the problem of evil, religion and science, and the relationship of faith to reason. We will pay special attention to the concept of God, asking ourselves what meaning(s) should be attached to the various ways we have of thinking and speaking about God. Is it possible for human beings to know God? What evidential value should be attached to scriptural authority and religious or mystical experience? When (if at all) should reason and ordinary considerations of evidence be rejected as inappropriate?
There are no prerequisites for the course – just an open, inquiring mind and a willingness to discuss these important questions with others.
Course Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course you should be able to:
- Define key concepts in the philosophy of religion
- Explain the difference between philosophical and non-philosophical approaches to the study of religious belief
- Explain the difference between philosophy of religion and theology
- Describe the evolution of philosophical questions about religion relative to different beliefs and practices, such as the knowability of God in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism
- Explain the impact of concepts in the philosophy of religion on other areas of philosophy such as metaphysics and ethics, for example, in the concepts of personal immortality, mystical union, and sin
- Working collaboratively and individually, provide well-reasoned arguments critiquing the positions defended by philosophers of religion
Textbook
TBA
Course Requirements
Your grade for the course will be based on two in-class exams – a mid-term (25%) and a final (35%) – a term paper (30%), and participation (10%)