Module: PET4100-20 God and Reason

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Russell Re Manning

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.remanning@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module introduces central problems in the philosophy of religion. Focussing primarily on the Western analytic tradition, the module engages with key topics in historical and contemporary philosophy of religion, such as the existence and nature of God, theistic arguments, the problem of evil, religious language, religious experience and miracles.

The module aims to:

Promote systematic enquiry into questions in the philosophy of religion

Develop philosophical reflection on a key topic in contemporary life

Engage critically with key texts in the academic and popular discussion of religion

Foster a recognition of the importance of philosophical and religious thought to life outside academia

2.Outline syllabus

The module is structured in three unequal parts.

We first briefly consider the history of the philosophy of religion, contextualising the discipline in the Western analytic tradition of philosophy and the Western Abrahamic religions.

Secondly, we look at the central religious notion of God, considering various models of God and looking at the divine attributes (such as omnipotence, omniscience, eternity, aseity, and simplicity), as well as assessing the canonical arguments for the existence of God – respectively, the ontological, the cosmological, and the teleological (or design) argument.

The third part turns to further problems in the philosophy of religion, notably the problem of evil, the questions surrounding religious language, controversies about religious experience(s) and the problem of miracles.

3.Teaching and learning activities

Teaching and Learning is centred on weekly two-hour lecture/workshops and two hour seminars. During the lecture/workshops you will be introduced to key concepts and debates in philosophy as well as being presented with methods and tools of analysis and argument. The seminars are either student-centred or student-led and you will have the opportunity to discuss, clarify and analyse concepts and arguments introduced in the lectures in some depth.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Critical Website Review (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%