Philosophy - PHIL 265

Course Description

This course introduces students to the philosophical examination of religion and religious belief. Topics that may be covered include: the nature and existence of God, free will, the problem of evil, the relationship between science and religion, atheism, agnosticism, miracles, mysticism and immortality. Common arguments for the existence of God, such as ontological and cosmological arguments, may be explored, as well as Pascal’s Wager.

Prerequisites

(A requirement that must be completed before taking this course.)

Course Competencies

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Characterize the nature of religious belief.
• Identify the core characteristics of God.
• Explain the difference between faith and reason.
• Construct the main arguments for the existence of God.
• Criticize the arguments for the existence of God.
• Investigate the nature of miracles.
• Investigate the nature of mysticism.
• Explain atheism and agnosticism.
• Examine the problem of evil and free will.
• Characterize different types of immortality.

Course Schedule