Introduction to the Philosophy of Western Religion

🌟 Introduction to the Philosophy of Western Religion: Course Description 🌟

What will you learn?

• Definition of God: Explore how the concept of God in Abrahamic faiths is defined, and understand the potential tensions or contradictions within that definition. Delve into the classic problem of evil and its implications for belief in God.
• Classical Arguments for God's Existence: Learn about the ontological, teleological, and cosmological arguments for God's existence. Discuss their strengths and limitations as well as some of the criticisms they face.
• Religious Language: Examine the philosophical debate around whether religious language makes special factual claims or if it simply conveys values and emotions. Learn about the eschatological verification principle and the problem of induction.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for:

• Absolute Beginners: Those new to Philosophy will find this course accessible as it introduces key concepts in a clear and logical manner.
• Educators and Teachers: Professionals who are looking for fresh perspectives on teaching the Philosophy of Religion.
• Aspiring A Level Students: Individuals aiming to take an A level qualification in Philosophy, particularly focusing on the 'Metaphysics of God' module.

What does the course cover?

• Theology vs. Philosophy of Religion: Understand the difference between theological debates within religions and the broader philosophical questions posed by the Philosophy of Religion.
• God's Attributes: Investigate the qualities attributed to God by the Abrahamic religions without delving into doctrinal controversies like the nature of the Trinity.
• The Problem of Evil: Grapple with the complex issue of how a benevolent, all-knowing, and all-powerful God can permit evil to exist.
• Arguments for God's Existence: Explore in depth the three classical arguments for God's existence, including their historical interpretations and contemporary critiques.
• Philosophical Perspectives: Engage with different philosophical perspectives on whether religious language should be treated as factual claims or metaphorical expressions of values and emotions.

Course Structure & Learning Experience

This course is designed to be highly interactive, featuring:

• Activities: Throughout the course, engaging activities will help reinforce your understanding of the material.
• Quizzes: After each section, a multiple choice quiz will allow you to test your knowledge and ensure retention of key concepts.
• Narrated Slideshows: Informative slides with accompanying images will make complex ideas more digestible and memorable.
• Transcripts: All video content comes with a transcript for clarity and spelling reference.
• Additional Resources: For those who wish to delve deeper, additional resources are available within each lecture.
• Discussion Group: Engage with peers to discuss ideas and concepts, fostering a community of learners.

A Level Syllabus Alignment

This course is structured around the syllabus for the AQA's 7172 A Level Philosophy, particularly focusing on the 'Metaphysics of God' module. For a comprehensive understanding of A Level Philosophy, complement this course with my other offerings: "Introduction to Epistemology (Philosophy of Knowledge)" and "Introduction to Moral Philosophy."

Embark on a journey through the philosophical dimensions of Western religion. Join Dr. Ellie Crouch in exploring the profound questions of existence, the nature of God, and the complexities of religious belief. 🤓✨