Philosophy of Religion

Overview

This module will provide a systematic, philosophical approach to understanding and engaging with a number of central topics in the philosophy of religion and theology. Topics to be discussed will include arguments for God’s existence (cosmological, ontological, design), the problem of evil, miracles, religious language, the relation between faith and belief, divine eternity, and the problem of divine foreknowledge and human freedom. The module will explore how these questions are discussed across a range of historical and contemporary religious traditions.

Learning Objectives

On successful completion of this module, students will: · have gained an understanding of foundational issues in contemporary philosophy of religion · be able to analyse and critique the arguments of contemporary philosophers in these areas · be able to defend their own conclusions with respect to the various topics considererd.

Skills

Intellectual skills • Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: identify relevant and subject-specific knowledge, sources and data; manage such information in an independent manner • Analytical Thinking: identify, understand, interpret and evaluate relevant subject-specific arguments made by others; construct independent arguments • Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to think critically and construct one’s own position in relation to existing and ongoing debates in the field Professional and career development skills • Communication Skills: ability to communicate clearly with others, both orally and in writing. This will include presentation skills developed for the research presentation and interview, dialogue, and discussion skills developed in the seminars and assessed by the oral exam at the end. • Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to the range of cultural differences present in the learning environment • Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development • Time Management: ability to negotiate diverse and competing pressures; cope with stress; and achieve a work / life balance Technical and practical skills •Information Technology: demonstrate the knowledge and ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT.
Organizational skills •Efficient and effective work practice: demonstrate ability to work efficiently to deadlines •Clear organisation of information: show efficiency in the organisation of large amounts of complex information and the ability to identify, describe and analyse the key features of the information •Organisation and communication: demonstrate ability to use evidence to develop logical and clear arguments; show aptitude for the effective use of information in a direct and appropriate way •Enterprising thinking: Demonstrate ability to think and argue in novel and enterprising ways, to display originality of thought and argument and the ability to clearly support arguments in innovative ways

Assessment

None