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Philosophy 252 is an introduction to
that branch of philosophy designated as “philosophy of religion”. During the first two weeks of the course we
will discuss in more detail some influential conceptions of “philosophy” and
“philosophy of religion”. However, in
general terms we can start by defining “philosophy of religion” as rational
thinking about, and analysis of, religious beliefs, values, arguments, language
and concepts.
The first half of the course will be
an introduction to many of the methodologies and problems in the philosophy of
religion. It will be introductory in a
twofold manner. First, it will be an
introduction to many of the central problems posed by philosophy of religion,
and to the aims and methodologies of different philosophers in these
areas. Among the problems we will study
are: “What is the nature and definition of religion?” “What is the nature of
God?” “Is it possible to establish the existence of God by rational
argumentation?” “Does the presence of evil in the world disprove the existence
of God?” Second, the first part of the
course will be an introduction to several of the general principles and
standards that apply to logical, critical thinking about philosophical
questions in general, and about religious discourse in particular. We will discuss, among other topics, what is a definition, what is the difference between a
“definition report” and a “definition proposal”, what are arguments, and what
are some common logical fallacies to avoid.
The last half of the course will
focus upon one specific problem in contemporary philosophy of religion: “What
is the relationship between faith and reason, and is it rational to believe
based on faith?” A matrix of core
questions relate to this problem area: “Do religions indeed make
‘truth-claims’?” “What is the definition
of faith?” “Are there different types of
faith?” “What is the relation between religious faith, reason and truth?” “Does the truth or validity of one religion
preclude another religion from being true?”
We will read arguments on this issue by a number of contemporary
philosophers, including John Hick, Anthony Flew, and Alvin Plantinga.
TEXTS: The following are the required texts:
David Stewart, Exploring the Philosophy of Religion,
5th Edition, (EPR)
Mark B. Woodhouse, A
Preface to Philosophy, 7th Edition (PTP)
In addition, handout articles by various
philosophers will be distributed.
The
Stewart anthology will be one of our main texts. It contains a selection of classic readings
in philosophy of religion. The Woodhouse
volume will be used to introduce some basic components of critical thinking as
they relate to some of the philosophical problems we will be studying (for
example, uses of definition and the concept of God.)
REQUIREMENTS:
1)
There will be two examinations, each covering one-half of the course. Each examination will contain some critical
thinking exercises but will focus more on essay questions. Study questions will be given out prior to
each examination. Missing an examination
without an appropriate excuse may result in your receiving a zero for that
examination, and will result at least in being dropped a grade. Missing an examination without an excused
absence may result in receiving a grade of ‘zero’ for the examination. All
excused absences from an examination require verification. Medical absences
require a verifiable doctors note on official
stationary. 35% each
2)
Each student will be required to turn in periodic assignments: either exercises
or short (1-2 page) response essays to the articles
assigned for that week. The responses
should not consist most of a summary of the articles, although summarizing at
some points the arguments may be necessary and helpful. Rather, your response should be your own
philosophical analysis and reflection upon the problem being considered that
week, and the positions and arguments being put forward by the various
philosophers. The weekly responses are
an opportunity for you to begin “doing philosophy”, as well as for you to begin
work on your essay exams and paper. 15%
3)
Discussion and, to a lesser extent, lecture will be the main classroom
methods. You should come to class having
read the assignments for that week and prepared to discuss the arguments in the
texts and your questions and comments.
Doing the reading, coming to class prepared, and contributing to the
class discussions are crucial to your success and to
the success of the class. Missing more
than four classes may result in your being dropped from the class. It is, however, your responsibility to
complete the Drop Form if you stop attending class, or you may receive an “F”
for the course. 10%.
4)
There will be a short Quiz on May 23. 5%
Some Additional Suggestions For Achieving Success in This Class:
Disability - If you have a documented
physical or learning disability, you may be eligible for accommodations and
support through the Center on Disability.
Please let me know if this is the case, and I will work with you and the
Center to help you succeed.
Learning Lab - Free tutoring and workshops
are available to all students in B1-28.
Computer and Email Access – It is probably easiest to
use a computer at home if you have one.
However, all students have access to The Student Academic Computing
Centers in B2-35 and in the Center for Business and Industry, which provide
computers for use by students. There is
web access with soundcards in the SACC rooms.
The Library also has some computers for student use. Also, all students are able to receive a free
email account through the College.
Please check with SACC on how to arrange for and open your account.
Counseling - For long-term academic and
career planning, transfer information and curriculum change, as well as
personal counseling, make an appointment or drop in at the
Liberal Arts Curriculum - I am the Coordinator for
the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Please talk
to me if you are in the Liberal Arts Curriculum and have any questions. I will be able to advise any students in the
Curriculum on your educational plan and courses for the summer or fall. I also serve as the Coordinator for
International Education for the College, so please see me if you have any questions
on International Studies, or Study Abroad, including the College’s Study Abroad
Programs in London and in Costa Rica. next summer
PTP Chap. 1
PTP Chap. 2
Bertrand Russell, Introduction from Western
Philosophy
Rudolph Otto, “The Idea of the Holy” EPR
16-28
Martin Buber, “I and Thou” EPR 29-38
Dave Davies, excerpt from Kink
Handout: Aquinas on “Omnipotence” and on
“Omniscience”
June
2, 6 – Problem of Evil
Edward Madden and Peter Hare, “In Opposition to
Hick’s ‘Vale of Soul-Making’ Theodicy
Wendy Doniger, “Karma in Hindu Thought”, EPR
195-199
June
8 – Cosmological and Teleological Arguments
June
9 – Mid-Term Examination
June 13, 15 –The
Problem of Faith and Reason; Definition of Faith; Two Types of Faith
EPR 215-220
Buber,
“Two Types of Faith”
Hick, “Fides and Fiducia”
H. H. Price, “Belief In and Belief That”
June 14 – No Class
June 16, 20 –
Propositional Faith
Penelhum, “On Aquinas’ Idea of Faith”
June 21, 22 – Voluntaristic Faith
William Clifford, “The Right
to Believe”
EPR 234-252
June 23, 27 –
Faith and Verification
EPR 221-233
June 28 – Faith
and Interpretation
Braithwaite, “Faith and
Storytelling”
Hick, “Faith and Interpretation”
June 29 – Faith
and Reason – Ultimate Concern
EPR 253-271
June 30 – Final Examination
SCHEDULE OF WEEKLY WRITTEN RESPONSES
Date Topic Related
May 17 "Religion"
Formulate
a general definition of "Religion" & why it makes sense.
18 Philosophy 1 EPR 1-5, Russell, “Brainstorming”
Compare the
definitions of philosophy you find in these three readings. What do you see as the similarities, what do
you see as the differences?
19 Philosophy 2 PTP Chap. 1 & 2
Assignment
sheet #1.
23 Religious Experience William James “Mysticism”
EPR Question
#5, P. 15
31 Definitions, The
Concept of the Divine 1 PTP 55-60,
Handout
1) Assignment sheet #2
2) Write out in your
own words what you take to be Aquinas’ definition of “omnipotence”. What, if any, philosophical problems do you
see arising given his definition of “omnipotence”?
June 1 The Concept
of the Divine 2 PTP
55-60, Handout
1)
Assignment sheet #3
The problem of evil is actually a number of inter-related philosophical problems. Within this matrix is the distinction between ‘moral evil’ and ‘natural evil.’ To wht extent do the theodicies of Hick and the Hindu notion of ‘karma’ address the problem of moral evil? Of natural evil?
June 7 Arguments
1, Ontological
Argument PTP 46-55
1) PTP Exercises P. 54
2) Assignment sheet #4
3) EPR P. 130,
#3
June 13 Types of Faith
Describe Buber’s
two types of faith. Why might the
differentiation between these two types be significant? Can you think of other types of faith not
addressed by Buber, Hick or Price?
June 16 Propositional Faith
In your own words describe the difference
between knowledge, opinion and belief.
How would Aquinas differentiate between these three?
June 21 Voluntaristic Faith
EPR P. 252 #3
June 23 Faith and Verification EPR
221-233
EPR P.
233 #5