PHIL 0010. Philosophy of Religion
Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Analysis of the major philosophical issues raised by, but not limited to traditional Western religion. Includes an examination of the arguments for God's existence and nature, immortality, the problem of evil, miracles, rationality of religious belief, the relation of faith to reason, and theories on the meaning of the religious language. (CSU, UC)
PHIL 0010 - Philosophy of Religion
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/phil-0010/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Hours: 54 lecture Description: Analysis of the major philosophical issues raised by, but not limited to traditional Western religion. Includes an examination of the arguments for God's existence and nature, immortality, the problem of evil, miracles, rationality of religious belief, the relation of faith to reason, and theories on the meaning of the religious language. (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Identify and describe problems associated with knowledge claims about the Divine. Describe and evaluate arguments for God’s existence in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. Summarize and critically evaluate philosophical positions concerning the problem of evil. Communicate effectively orally or in writing on a topic in philosophy of religion. Course Content Outline I. Divine Attributes II. Arguments for God's Existence a. the cosmological argument b. the teleological argument c. the ontological argument III. A Critique of the Arguments for God's Existence IV. Miracles V. Immortality VI. The Problem of Evil a. Logical b. Evidential VII. Faith and Reason VIII. The Possibility of Knowing God without Arguments Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. Describe and evaluate philosophical problems associated with claims about the nature of the Divine. 2. Evaluate whether God's omniscience is compatible with human free will. 3. Explain traditional arguments for the existence of God and compare and contrast their weaknesses and strengths. 4. Explain and evaluate arguments that claim evil is problematic for the existence of God. 5. Illustrate either in writing or with a visual representation an explanation of both sides of the issue of immortality and miracles, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each position. 6. Distinguish religious claims from scientific claims. 7. Describe the moral implications associated with faith claims. 8. Describe and evaluate arguments that assert that belief in God is properly basic. Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Projects Reading Assignments 1. Read Anselm's Classical Ontological Argument for God's existence, and come to class with a list of Anselm's premises. 2. Read Michael Martin's "Conflicts Between the Divine Attributes," and come to class prepared to describe and evaluate how Martin sees the existence of an omniscient being impossible. 3. Read Alvin Plantinga's "Free will Defense," and come to class prepared to summarize how he attempts to refute J.L. Mackie's claim about God's omnipotence. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Formal Paper: write a 3 page minimum length essay answering all parts of the question prompt that is typed, double-spaced, size 12 font paper. Explain (a) how the stone paradox could be said to undermine the God's omnipotence, and (b) whether the apparent paradox does, in fact, cause a problem for God's omniscience. (c) If yes, explain how so; and if no, explain why not. 2. Formal Paper: write a 3 page minimum length essay answering all parts of the question prompt that is typed, double-spaced, size 12 font paper. (a) Summarize Aquinas' argument from design for the existence of God. (b) Determine the argument's form and type, and (c) evaluate it in terms of its strength and weaknesses. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...NUTF 0010 NUTR 120 NUTF 0005 PHIL 100 PHIL 0006 PHIL 110 PHIL 0004 PHIL...
Humanities
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/departments/humanities/
...Thinking PHIL 0006 Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality PHIL 0010 Philosophy of Religion PHIL...
