PHL 214W - Philosophy of Religion

Credits: 3
Instructional Contact Hours: 3

Investigates the rationality of religious beliefs, and the meaning of religious practices, religious language and questions of evidence. Focuses on questions concerning proof of the existence of a deity, the problem of evil, the interpretation of mystical experience, the nature of religious faith and more.

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: Humanities
Pass/NoCredit: Yes

Outcomes and Objectives

Understand the difference between philosophical questions about religion and other kinds of questions each as theological, sociological, and historical ones.
1. Distinguish these questions in writing and in discussions during the class meetings.
2. State and clarify the differences between the methodologies of philosophy, theology and other disciplines.
Learn the main concepts and distinctions essential to the philosophical positions studied in the class.
1. Define and clarify those concepts and distinctions.
2. Apply those concepts and distinctions in a critical and analytical manner.
3. Employ those concepts and distinctions to construct arguments for and against philosophical positions studied in the course.
Articulate orally and in writing and analyze the major philosophical arguments for and against the philosophical issues studied.
1. State and explain the main pro and con arguments regarding those positions.
Develop their own abilities to think critically about the philosophical issues studied, orally and in writing.
1. Formulate their own views on some philosophical issues studied and arguments to defend and criticize those views.
2. Practice critically analyzing their own ideas on the subject and those of their classmates.
3. Employ the concepts and distinctions studied in the course to construct arguments for and against their own views on issues of the subject matter.