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PHL252Arts Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Philosophy Of Religion

This course introduces students to the philosophical study of religion. It explores the meaning, nature, and origin of religion, examining its relationship with society and morality. The course delves into the concept of God, metaphysical perspectives, cultural experiences, mysticism, and philosophical theology. Students will analyze religious language, reasoning, creationism, and issues like immortality and reincarnation, providing a comprehensive understanding of philosophy of religion.

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60h
Study Time
13
Weeks
5h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Philosophy of ReligionReligionGodMoralitySociety

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Philosophy of Religion

2

Nature of God

3

Arguments for the Existence of God

4

Theories of Religion

5

Religious Language

6

Religion and Morality

7

Immortality

Total Topics7 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Religious Studies Scholar

Apply your skills in this growing field

Ethics Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Theologian

Apply your skills in this growing field

Philosopher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationSocial ServicesReligious OrganizationsResearchConsulting

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 1: Introduction to Philosophy of Religion

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Introduction to Philosophy of Religion, focusing on the definitions of philosophy, religion, and philosophy of religion.
  • •Complete the self-assessment exercise to test your understanding of the key concepts.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction

3h

Unit 2: The Existence, Nature and Activities of God and Other Spirits from the Point of View of Metaphysics and Cultural experiences.

3 study hours
  • •Study Unit 2: The Existence, Nature and Activities of God, examining metaphysical and cultural perspectives.
  • •Reflect on the nature and attributes of God, including simplicity, unity, immutability, and infinitude.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 3: On the sacred and Profane

2 study hours
  • •Explore Unit 3: On the Sacred and Profane, defining the sacred and the profane.
  • •Analyze man's contradictory responses to the sacred and the concept of divine communication.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 4: Religious Language

2 study hours
  • •Study Unit 4: Religious Language, focusing on the challenges of using human language to express transcendental experiences.
  • •Consider the meaningfulness of religious propositions and their context-specific nature.
Week
5

Module 2: Determinism, Evil and Freewill

2h

Unit 1: Determinism

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Determinism, focusing on the definition and types of determinism.
  • •Understand causal, nomological, and theological determinism.
Week
6

Module 2: Determinism, Evil and Freewill

3h

Unit 2: Theological Determinism and Divine Responsibility for Evil

3 study hours
  • •Study Unit 2: Theological Determinism and Divine Responsibility for Evil, examining theodicies and defenses.
  • •Consider the problem of evil and the question of causing versus permitting evil.
Week
7

Module 2: Determinism, Evil and Freewill

2h

Unit 3: What is Freewill?

2 study hours
  • •Explore Unit 3: What is Freewill?, focusing on the idea of freewill and Sartre's existentialism.
  • •Analyze the interaction between freewill and the existence of God.
Week
8

Module 3: Origin, Reasoning, Theology, Myths

3h

Unit 1: The Origin and Nature of Religion

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: The Origin and Nature of Religion, focusing on the psychological, sociological, theological, Marxist, and anthropological theories.
  • •Understand the cultural context of religion and its impact on understanding God.
Week
9

Module 3: Origin, Reasoning, Theology, Myths

2h

Unit 2: Religious Reasoning

2 study hours
  • •Study Unit 2: Religious Reasoning, focusing on the relationship between faith, reason, and religion.
  • •Analyze religious reasoning and its challenges in making meaning out of faith.
Week
10

Module 3: Origin, Reasoning, Theology, Myths

3h

Unit 3: Philosophical Theology and Mysticism

3 study hours
  • •Explore Unit 3: Philosophical Theology and Mysticism, defining philosophical theology and mysticism.
  • •Understand the role of philosophical principles in theology and the nature of mystical experiences.
Week
11

Module 3: Origin, Reasoning, Theology, Myths

2h

Unit 4: Myths, Symbols and Rituals

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Myths, Symbols and Rituals, focusing on the nature and limitations of myths, symbols, and rituals in religion.
  • •Analyze their implications for human society and religious understanding.
Week
12

Module 4: Society, Morality, Immortality

3h

Unit 1: Religion and Society

3 study hours
  • •Study Unit 1: Religion and Society, focusing on the relationship between religion and culture, peace, knowledge, and politics.
  • •Analyze the positive and negative impacts of religion on society.
Week
13

Module 4: Society, Morality, Immortality

4h

Unit 2: Religion and Morality

2 study hours
  • •Explore Unit 2: Religion and Morality, examining the nature of morality in the context of religion.
  • •Establish whether there is any relationship that exists between religion and morality.

Unit 3: Immortality via Resurrection, Karma and Reincarnation

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Immortality via Resurrection, Karma and Reincarnation, focusing on the notions of immortality, resurrection, karma and reincarnation.
  • •Evaluate the reasons for believing in immortality and the different conceptions of it.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking key concepts from each module.

2

Review and summarize the main arguments for and against the existence of God.

3

Practice defining and explaining key terms like 'sacred,' 'profane,' 'myth,' 'symbol,' and 'ritual.'

4

Focus on understanding the different theories about the origin and nature of religion.

5

Prepare to discuss the relationship between religion and morality, and religion and society.

6

Study the different perspectives on immortality, resurrection, karma, and reincarnation.

7

Review all TMAs and self-assessment exercises.

8

Allocate specific time slots for each module to ensure comprehensive coverage.

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