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Curricular information is subject to change
As a result of studying this module, students will learn to:
1. THINK CRITICALLY about some classic and contemporary debates in the philosophy of religion
2. IDENTIFY some key ideas and theories in the philosophy of religion
3. SHOW AWARENESS of potential problems that have led to the refinement of those ideas and theories in the relevant debates
4. INTERPRET and UNDERSTAND some classic and contemporary texts in the philosophy of religion
5. WRITE a well-structured and well-argued philosophical essay that explains and critically assesses some of the key ideas and theories introduced in the module
6. ARTICULATE their own responses to philosophical views; support them with reasons; and defend them in the light of criticism
In terms of content, the module is divided into two parts. Part I is taught by Prof. James O'Shea from Weeks 1-6, with two one-hour lectures a week, and Part II is taught by Dr. Daniel Esmonde Deasy from Weeks 7-12, with two one-hour lectures a week.
In Part I, Prof. O'Shea will examine some classic arguments and debates concerning the alleged rational grounds for the belief in the existence of God, as found in the works of the 18th century sceptical philosopher David Hume. In particular, we will work through Hume's posthumously published Dialogues concerning Natural Religion (1776) as well as his famous essay ‘Of Miracles’ (1748), exploring both sides of the arguments from the perspective of recent commentators and critics as well. This will provide some historical and conceptual background for the topics to be explored in Part II.
In Part II, Dr. Deasy will focus on five questions, addressing each in the context of contemporary debates in the philosophy of religion. They are:
1. Is the concept of God - that is, of an all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-good being - coherent?
2. Must rational belief in God be supported by evidence? What is the relation between faith and belief?
3. Is it possible to prove from first principles that God exists?
4. Does the fact that the universe contains life (or consciousness) provide evidence for the existence of a divine creator?
5. Does the fact that the universe contains intense suffering provide evidence against the existence of a divine creator?
For an introduction to some of the content of Part II of the module, see for example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pRzyioUKp0 (copy and paste this link into your browser)
Student Effort Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lectures | 24 |
Tutorial | 8 |
Autonomous Student Learning | 93 |
Total | 125 |
Not applicable to this module.
Description | Timing | Component Scale | % of Final Grade | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Examination: Written exam | 2 hour End of Trimester Exam | No | Graded | No | 34 |
Essay: 2000 word essay on a topic introduced in Part II of the module | Week 12 | n/a | Graded | No | 33 |
Essay: 2000 word essay on a topic introduced in Part I of the module | Week 7 | n/a | Graded | No | 33 |
Resit In | Terminal Exam |
---|---|
Summer | Yes - 2 Hour |
• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities
1. The lecturer and tutor will provide feedback on draft essays prior to submission (as long as drafts are presented by an agreed date). 2. Each submitted essay will be returned with comments from the lecturer. 3. After the first essay has been submitted, there will be group/class feedback from the lecturer/tutor. 4. Students will have the opportunity to engage in self-assessment activities prior- and post-submission in tutorials