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PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION 1

Module code: PH104
Credits: 5
Semester: 2
Department: PHILOSOPHY
International:

	Overview
	This module introduces students to some topics of philosophical interest in the area of Philosophy of Religion. It begins with a brief account of the distinction between philosophy and religion, knowledge and belief. Some ways of providing philosophical proofs for God�s existence will be outlined, with a view to assessing their validity. Then some of the attributes of God will be examined, in particular those of eternity, omniscience and omnipotence. The philosophical problem of evil will be considered insofar as it presents a major challenge to belief in an all-knowing, all-powerful and all-good God. The topic of religious language will be discussed, with a look at reasons why some consider such language to be meaningless.

Overview

This module introduces students to some topics of philosophical interest in the area of Philosophy of Religion. It begins with a brief account of the distinction between philosophy and religion, knowledge and belief. Some ways of providing philosophical proofs for God�s existence will be outlined, with a view to assessing their validity. Then some of the attributes of God will be examined, in particular those of eternity, omniscience and omnipotence. The philosophical problem of evil will be considered insofar as it presents a major challenge to belief in an all-knowing, all-powerful and all-good God. The topic of religious language will be discussed, with a look at reasons why some consider such language to be meaningless.

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: Distinguish between 'religion' and 'philosophy of religion' in a meaningful way and which is, nonetheless, sensitive to the philosophical difficulties in defining both 'religion' and 'philosophy of religion'. Differentiate in a philosophically sophisticated way between doubt, opinion, knowledge and belief as key terms analysed by philosophers of religion. Identify and discriminate between the various 'traditional' proofs for the existence of God within the Western philosophical tradition with the aim of assessing their validity as philosophical arguments and their relevance for debate concerning religion in our own time. 4. Identify and examine the 'attributes' applied to God in the Western philosophical tradition (i.e. goodness, omnipotence, omniscience, eternity) with a view to assessing the coherence of theism. Analyse the philosophical problem of evil as a major challenge for belief in the existence of an all-powerful, all-knowing and all-good God. Discuss some of the philosophical problems associated with the use of religious language by looking at some of the reasons why some might consider such language to be meaningless. Demonstrate, through written and verbal communication skills, a philosophical approach to considering the role of religion in society today. Demonstrate, through addressing the questions set in the final written examination, the ability to select material learned that is relevant to what has been asked in the set questions.

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	University scheduled written examination (Autumn): 90 minutes

	Timetable
	This timetable is not currently available, please contact the Philosophy Department.

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PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION 1