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The course will take students through the main questions that have been asked by philosophers of religion, which means that we shall be considering various aspects of the meaning of life. There are no right answers: what matters is to look at the evidence and to think about the problems. Students will be asked to consider what past men and women have thought and will also look at contemporary writers, but original thought is what matters. We shall look at some of the most ancient problems known to humanity. (Is there a God? Can we prove the existence of God? What is religion? Does evil mean that religion is a waste of time? Does it make sense to speak of an immortal soul?) And we shall examine questions of contemporary interest. (Why is religion often associated with violence? Can there be a feminist approach to religion? Id God dead?) These are fascinating issues and more than ever important in our changing world.
Additional information about this course
Half term 19/02/2020
Course aim
To provide an introduction to the philosophy of religion.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
- This course demands a lively and open mind. It is not giving religious instruction, but is asking questions about religion.
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Explain some of the ways in which philosophers have approached religion.
- Evaluate arguments that have been put forward for various religious positions.
- describe the phenomenon of religion and the naturalistic and faith positions.
- Present your own arguments as a philosopher.
- Select, survey and weigh evidence as a philosopher.
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
- You may be asked to undertake additional work in your own time to support your learning
- Students are asked to read in advance the relevant section of Tim Bayne's Very Short Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion. Further reading is available for those who wish it.
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
- You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
- You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions
What else do I need to know?
- The tutor will provide a handout each week. You should buy Tim Bayne's Philosophy of Religion: A Very Short Introduction.
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading is required but research on the subject on the internet or in the library may be helpful
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- You could progress to Higher Education courses. Follow link to the PEARL website for information http://pearl.open.ac.uk/
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet
