Fall 2003

R S 305 • Introduction to Philosophy of Religion (Area IV)

Course Description

Religion in general, as well as particular religions, raise many interesting philosophical issues. For example, how can we determine whether any particular religious view is correct? When, if ever, does religious (for example, mystical) experience count in favor of a particular religion? Or are all religions true in some deep sense’? What arguments have been given for the existence of a Supreme Being, or God? Are any of them compelling? Or are they compelling when taken together? What about historical evidence, such as Divine Revelation? Are there miracles? What about arguments or evidence against the existence of God? Could there be evidence either for or against the existence of non-physical entities, even in principle? Should we believe some things in the absence of good evidence for their truth? Could there be morals if there is no God to dictate what is right or wrong? Or is God himself subject to a ‘higher arbiter’ of good and evil? Could life be meaningful in the absence of a God, eternal life, or some form of ‘transcendent reality’? Is there life after death? Is there good empirical evidence for it? Does the idea make sense? What is religion? Is a scientific viewpoint incompatible with a religious viewpoint, or are the two compatible? If they are compatible, is this because at least one religion is scientifically respectable, or because religion provides answers to questions that science cannot possibly address satisfactorily, or because religion is a non-cognitive enterprise, or for some other reason? We will mostly deal with philosophical issues pertaining to theistic religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism in particular, although some questions (such as mystical experience, miracles, and immortality) will lead us to consider some aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism as well.

Grading Policy

• Class Participation 10%
• Midterm 35%
• Final 55%

Texts

• Texts (tentative):
• Louis Pojman, Philosophy of Religion, an Anthology
• Course packet

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