PHIL 0200 - Philosophy of Religion

3 Credit Hours

This course will offer a philosophical analysis of the nature and function of religion and its relation to culture. The methodology employed is that of logical and linguistic analysis. That is, this course will focus on analyzing arguments in order to determine their validity and, if possible, soundness (truth). This course will focus on the importance of understanding religious language (i.e., definitions of ‘God ’ the impact of religious terms, etc.). This course will emphasize the relationship between belief and action (ethical, social, and political action), the legitimacy (rationality) of religious belief(s), and whether or not religious beliefs are consistent with prescribed actions. This course will also focus on the consequences, or impact, of actions prescribed by religious beliefs on society. An examination will be made of the basis of religion, and special attention will be given to the problems of religion and reality, religion and science, religion and morality, faith and reason, and the character and significance of religion in the present. Attention will also be given to various conceptions of God in different cultures and religious traditions, traditional arguments for the existence of God, the nature of God and the problem of evil, and free will.

Pre-requisites: PHIL 0103 - Introduction to Philosophy (T►) or PHIL 0105 - Logic (T►).