Module: PET5100-20 Atheism and Unbelief

Level: 5

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 explores atheism as a topic of considerable contemporary significance for religions, philosophies and ethics. The recent media phenomenon of so-called “new atheism” sparked by Richard Dawkins’ God Delusion (and buses with atheist slogans!) has drawn academic and popular attention to atheism. This module responds to this interest by examining atheism from an inter-disciplinary perspective to encourage students to think beyond narrow stereotypes and to think more expansively about the history, nature and implications of the apparent rise of atheism in the contemporary world. Drawing on ideas from history, philosophy, ethics, religious studies, psychology and sociology, the module will ask students to consider key (and provocative) questions such as: what defines atheism? What best accounts for the rise of modern (and contemporary) atheism? What is the relation between atheism and secularisation? What is the relation between atheism and science? What are the consequences of atheism for ethics? Can an atheist have a religious experience? Is atheism a religion?

The module aims to:

• Promote systematic enquiry into atheism and (ir)religion

• Develop inter-disciplinary reflection on a key theme in contemporary life

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

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

2.Outline syllabus

The module is structured in three parts, reflecting different perspectives on atheism.

We first consider the history of atheism: looking at varieties of atheism in the ancient world, the rise of a specifically modern form of atheism following the Scientific Revolution and the decline of religious authority, and the recent phenomenon of “new atheism”. We consider competing narratives of the history of atheism and assess the variety of factors at stake. The history of atheism is also set against the history of secularisation.

Secondly, we look at atheism philosophically: considering key philosophical arguments in the analytic tradition against the existence of God and for the non-existence of God, including arguments from the problem of evil and divine hiddenness. Engaging with the continental tradition of philosophy, we also draw on arguments about naturalism, humanism and materialism. In addition, this part tackles ethical questions arising from atheism (e.g. If God is dead, is everything permitted?) and practical ethical issues, such as those raised by the denial of rights to wear religious symbols. Finally, we look at the relations between science and atheism and ask whether (and in what form) it is possible for an atheist to have a religious experience.

The third part adopts a religious perspective on atheism: asking whether atheism could (or ought to) be considered a religion, taking a comparative perspective on atheism in different religious and cultural contexts, and looking at positive construals of atheism (or atheist characteristics) in some theological traditions (e.g. “death of God theology”). We also engage with the emerging sub-discipline of “non-religion studies” and consider sociological and psychological accounts of atheism and unbelief (including the question as to whether atheists are more rational than believers).

3.Teaching and learning activities

Learning is facilitated by a 2-hour interactive lecture/workshop and 2 hour student-led seminar. Lectures will introduce major schools of thought and associated debates together with overarching themes and necessary contextualisation. Seminars will provide a forum for argument as well as an opportunity for presentations. You will be expected to do some preparatory reading and thinking following the guidance in the module handbook, to engage actively with lectures and contribute fully to seminars.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Critical Website Review (2500 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Individual Project (2500 words)

• % Weighting: 50%