Philosophy of Religion [2499]

General Information

• Credits: 6 ECTS
• Prerequisites: baccalaureate level or equivalent; proficiency in English
• Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
• Language of instruction: English
• Course access: available at any time of year
• Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle 

Course Overview

This course introduces the philosophy of religion as the philosophical study of religious questions, focusing on the existence and nature of a Supreme Being. It examines the relationship between metaphysics and philosophy of religion, arguing that contingent beings require an ultimate explanation beyond the universe itself. The course explores the main arguments for the existence of God, the attributes of a Supreme Being, and the problem of evil. It also considers the connections between religion, science, and ethics, showing why the search for an ultimate explanation of reality is a rational and fundamental philosophical inquiry.

Learning Outcomes

This course enables you to:

• understand what is meant with "God" and "religion".
• understand the main questions in respect of philosophy of religion.
• have a better sense of the differences between philosophical questions and other kinds of questions or arguments.
• consider objectively the relation between belief and evidence, faith, and proof.
• understand and be able to express several philosophical theories taking a position in the debates over the issues mentioned in this course; and 
• identify and use relevant evidence to offer reasons for and against the various theories about religious belief.

Course Competencies

This course is linked to the following competency:

• Analyse religious traditions and world thought in their philosophical dimension.

Course Outline

Section 1: What Is Philosophy of Religion?

Section 2: Philosophy of Religion and Science

Section 3: Does a Supreme Being Exist?

Section 4: What Can a Supreme Being Be?

Section 5: Philosophy of Religion and Evil

Assessment Methods 

Course assessment is based on:

• tracking and completion of the course and of all learning activities. These activities, designed as essential practice and learning exercises, may be completed multiple times and are not factored into the final grade; and
• the final assessment quiz, which constitutes the graded evaluation.

Learning Format

The course is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials;
• supplementary documents and, depending on the content, video resources;
• interactive learning activities (quizzes, exercises); and
• a discussion forum with the course instructor and fellow participants.

Prerequisites

This course is open to anyone with a general level of education equivalent to the baccalaureate, or with personal or academic experience related to the topics covered.

A good command of written English is recommended to facilitate understanding of the content and participation in the activities offered.

Accessibility

The course is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device, via the MyDomuni platform.
For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to course content and activities.

Disability liaison officer: cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu. 

Selective Bibliography

• Robert Arp, Revisiting Aquinas’ Proofs for the Existence of God, Nashville, Abingdon Press, 2016.
• Saint Augustine, The Literal Meaning of Genesis, Books I–VI, coll. « Ancient Christian Writers », New York, Paulist Press, 1982.
• Francisco J. Ayala, Darwin’s Gift to Science and Religion, Washington, DC, Joseph Henry Press, 2007.
• Forrest E. Baird, Philosophic Classics: From Plato to Derrida, London, Routledge, 2011.
• Ian G. Barbour, Religion and Science: Historical and Contemporary Issues, New York, HarperCollins, 1997.