Course Catalogue

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This course examines key topics in the philosophy of religion. Through lectures, seminars and discussion, students will gain a deeper understanding of the philosophical arguments underlying some of the world's most ancient systems of religious belief and practice: both Western and Eastern.

Normally two meetings per week during the teaching period, including at least four hours of seminars.

Successful completion of Years 1 and 2 of the MA in Religious and Philosophical Education, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes.

PHIL4034

An essay of 1500 to 2000 words (30%) and a two-hour examination (70%).

This course will provide the opportunity to:

- explore some of the core topics in contemporary philosophy of religion.

- recognise the philosophical issues arising from religious ideas.

- use analytical arguments to evaluate the beliefs of a range of religious traditions, both monotheistic and non-monotheistic.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

By the end of this course students will be able to: 
1. Argue philosophically about religious ideas.
2. Discuss at least one form of religious pluralism.
3. Discuss critically the main philosophical issues involved in at least one of the traditional arguments for the existence of God.
4. Explain the evidential problem of evil.
5. Understand how arguments based on experience can support very different religious views.
6. Understand key ways in which philosophical theories about the self, shape religious beliefs.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.