Introduction to Philosophy of Religion

Catalog description

In this course, we will survey several issues in philosophy of religion: arguments for the existence of God, concepts of God/the divine, divine attributes, language about God/the divine, the problem of evil, the nature of religious belief, evidence for religion, miracles, the relationship between science and religion, and the status of religious experience. Primarily we will focus on the religious beliefs and traditions of the five major world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism), but we will occasionally make forays into other religious traditions as well. No prior knowledge of philosophy is required. One textbook is required. Coursework will include: readings from classic and contemporary articles on philosophy of religion, open-book/take-home reading quizzes, an essay (approx. 1,400 words), a midterm exam, and a final exam.