PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
PHIL 252
SPRING 2008
MWF 11:00-11:50 MCIN 350
Instructor: Dr. K.
Stanglin
Office phone: 279-4620
Email: kstanglin@harding.edu
Website: www.harding.edu/kstanglin
and www.facebook.com
Office hours: MCIN 209, 8:00-9:00, 10:00-11:00 (MWF); 2:00-4:00 (TR)
I want you to do well in this course, so please let me know if you are
having difficulty with the class material.
Office phone, hours, and
email should suffice for class business.
Course
Description (from catalog): A
philosophical approach to the study of religion with an emphasis on methods and
problems. The Christian religion in
the light of philosophic thought.
Expanded
Course Description: This
course will explore philosophical issues raised by religious and specifically
Christian theological claims. An
historical survey of philosophy, a discussion of careful, reasoned methodology,
and an exploration of the relationship between faith and reason will serve as
the groundwork for the course. The
course will then focus on understanding and analyzing foundational religious
issues in relation to philosophical principles. Topics will include questions that have
to do with the existence and nature of God, the nature and purpose of human
life, and the relationship between God and the world.
Objectives: After taking this course, students will be able
to:
1. Describe some of the
current trends in philosophy of religion and particular methods of analytic
philosophy.
2. Articulate their own
views of religion and the relationship between faith and reason in light of the
Christian metanarrative.
3. Summarize some of the
main issues and arguments concerning the existence, nature, and attributes of
God.
4. State and explain
different views of philosophical anthropology and the purpose of human life,
along with their respective religious implications.
5. Discuss different
views of God’s relationship to the world and their implications.
6. Articulate and
illustrate the theological and practical implications of each philosophical
topic of discussion.
Format: Class sessions will include some lectures, but
will focus on analysis and discussion of the assigned texts and case examples
raised in class.
Required
Text:
Peterson, Michael, et al.
Reason and Religious Belief: An
Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion. 3rd ed.
Recommended
Text:
Peterson, Michael, et
al., eds. Philosophy of Religion:
Selected
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to
attend classes regularly. In the
event of illness, family emergency, a school-sponsored activity, or an
extenuating circumstance, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the
instructor as soon as possible of the reason for the absence. A doctor’s note is required for
excusing personal illness. Print a
hard copy for my records. N.B.: Excuses
will not be accepted more than one week after returning to class.
According to the policies
stated in the student handbook (p. 9), the equivalent of one week of unexcused
absences (3) is allowed in this class.
Each additional absence above 3
automatically reduces your final grade by three percentage points.
You will be considered
tardy if you are not present when the roll is checked or if you leave during
class. 3 tardies = 1 unexcused
absence.
Students
with Disabilities:
It is the policy for
Academic Honesty:
Classroom Expectations and Decorum:
I expect all students to
behave in a Christian manner in and out of the classroom. Appropriate behavior includes abiding by
the conduct and dress codes set by the university. Turn off all cell phones and pagers. Do not even bring them on test or quiz
days. Do not eat food in the
classroom. Only drinks in spill-proof
containers are allowed in class.
If you make a mess, it is your responsibility to clean it up or pay for
it to be cleaned.
Class will be dismissed
when I finish, not necessarily when the bell rings.
Course Requirements:[1]
1. Daily reading, class
preparation, and participation.
Every student should carefully read all required readings. Philosophy takes a long time to read and
comprehend, so plan accordingly. It
is hard work with a great reward.
In general, RRB readings should be complete by Monday of each week, and
PR readings by Wednesday. (On
bracketed [PR] readings, see below #7.)
On the final exam, you will be asked to sign a statement indicating how
much you actually read.
Reading assignments will be accompanied by prepared discussion
questions and vocabulary (available at www.harding.edu/kstanglin). Study these to prepare for class (and
exams). Daily preparation will be
evaluated by reading quizzes. In
addition, be prepared to discuss and answer questions about the material in
class. Your participation in class
discussion (which includes relevant questions and thoughtful responses) may
also contribute to the final grade.
100 pts.
2. The student should keep a notebook containing all lecture notes and
handouts to prepare for exams.
3. Three exams. There will
be two unit exams (weeks 6 and 12) and a comprehensive final. Study your discussion questions,
vocabulary, and notes. 50, 75, and 100 pts.
4. Problem paper. In your opinion, what is the most
difficult (philosophical) problem that faces Christianity? State the criticism/problem in its
strongest form, and tell why you find it difficult to answer. This paper should be at least 300 words,
type-written. Due Jan. 16. 25 pts.
5. Topical paper. Each student will select some
philosophical issue and do independent reflection concerning it during the
course. You will write a 6 to 8
page paper. Topics that arise from
the readings will be appropriate, or you may suggest your own topic of
interest. I will have the final
right of approval. Topics are due, in writing, Jan. 25.
The content must be based
on a philosophical claim over which there may be some reasoned disagreement,
and you must defend a particular viewpoint. For example, “A discussion of
natural law ethics” would be an unacceptable thesis, but “I defend
natural law ethics for the following reasons…” would be acceptable.
The paper should be
divided into two main sections. In the first section, you will make your
positive case in favor of your viewpoint.
In the second, you will raise and refute the strongest objections to
your claim. N.B.: Do not
short-change the second section.
You must convince me that you have read deeply and thought seriously
about your opponents’ points of
view, and that you can credibly refute their best objections.
You should explore your
topic fairly deeply—consulting a variety of sources would be
appropriate. Due Mar. 28.
In addition to the hard
copy, you must also submit the paper electronically before the deadline. Go to www.turnitin.com. The class ID is 2117739, and the password is philrel. Click “submit” and follow
the instructions. Papers not
submitted through this website will not be accepted.
Additional guidelines:
a. 6-8 pages (Times New Roman, double-spaced, not
including bibliography).
b. Use Turabian style footnotes and proper, academic
English style.
c. Assessment criteria will include such things as:
clearly stated purpose, logical organization, faultless style, evidence of
research, and interaction with sources.
d. Some scholarly sources should be consulted. These sources may include relevant
surveys, special monographs, and peer-reviewed journal articles. Do not cite unsigned articles (whether
online or in print). Do not cite
sources in the bibliography unless they are used in the paper.
e. Papers are due at the beginning of class, March
28. A penalty of 10% each class
period will be assessed to late papers.
Papers will not be accepted after April 11.
75
pts.
6. Paper
presentation. Present the core of
your paper to the class in a five to ten minute presentation. The date of the presentation will be
determined by a random drawing.
The presentation must be
polished and professional. Visual
and other aids may be used sparingly and must contribute to understanding the
issue. 25 pts.
7. “Study Questions”
paper. Choose one reading from PR
that appears in brackets [PR…], read it, and answer all the study
questions that appear at the end of that particular reading. Although paper length will vary
depending on the reading selected and number of questions, the paper should be
at least three pages long (double-spaced).
More importantly, the responses should be thorough and sufficiently
answer the questions. This paper is
to be done individually. It is due
on the Wednesday of its respective week.
Like the topical paper, it must be submitted through www.turnitin.com Late papers will be unacceptable. 50
pts.
8. Extra Credit. Read A. Plantinga’s Warranted Christian Belief (available
online through quest). Give a
detailed summary and then brief evaluation of the book. Double-spaced, 3 pages. Due no later than April 28. Up
to 25 pts. on final exam.
Make-up
Policy:
A test may be made up
only if the absence is excused (see “Attendance Policy”
above). Contact or see me within
five days of the absence to arrange it.
After I am notified, the make-up test will be given on Tues./Thurs.,
6:00 p.m., room 233. All make-up
tests will be entirely essay format.
There will be no make-ups for
unexcused absences. Exams will
not be given early.
Grading Scale: 500 points total.
90-100% = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C 60-69 = D 0-59 = F
Assignments/Dates/Grades Summary:
Problem paper (Jan. 16) 25
pts.
Topics due (Jan.
25)
Exam 1 (Feb.
22) 50
pts.
Topical paper (Mar. 28) 75
pts.
Paper presentation 25
pts.
Study questions paper 50
pts.
Exam 2 (Apr.
11) 75
pts.
Final exam (May
8, 8:00) 100 pts.
Although it is your responsibility to keep up with your
grades and absences, I will periodically post them on my website. Check your grades with your last name
and password (H number).
Topics
and
Week 1
Syllabus. Introduction.
Religion, Philosophy, and
Philosophy of Religion
Historical Survey of
Philosophy
RRB, Intro.
Alvin Plantinga,
“Advice to Christian Philosophers,” Faith and Philosophy 1/3 (1984): 235-71, available at http://www.faithandphilosophy.com/article_advice.php
Week 2
Analytic method: Logic of
Arguments and Explanations
The search for the
ultimate
What does it mean to
encounter the divine?
RRB, 1-2.
PR, pp. 35-44, from W.
James, Varieties of Religious Experience,
lectures 16 to beginning of 18, available at Google books (default edition pp.
536-617).
[PR, pp. 20-28, from D.
Z. Phillips, “The Meaning of Religious Beliefs Is Their Use”]
Week 3
How are faith and reason
related?
RRB, 3.
PR, pp. 92-101, from
Thomas Aquinas, Summa contra Gentiles
Bk. I.3-7, available at http://www2.nd.edu/Departments/Maritain/etext/gc.htm
; and Ibn-Rushd (Averroës), On the
Harmony of Religion and Philosophy chs. 1-2, available at http://www.muslimphilosophy.com/ir/fasl.htm
PR, pp. 123-30, from C.
S. Evans, Philosophy of Religion.
[PR, pp. 101-03, from B.
Pascal, “The Wager”]
Week 4
What is God like?
RRB, 4.
PR, pp. 138-46, from
Moses Maimonides, Guide for the Perplexed,
I.53, 58-59, available at http://www.sacred-texts.com/jud/gfp/gfp003.htm
; and Aquinas, Summa theologiae
Ia.xxv.3, available at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/aquinas/summa.FP.ii.FP_Q25.FP_Q25_A3.html
PR, pp. 155-58, from
Boethius, De consolatione philosophiae
Bk. 5, available at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/boethius/consolation.vi.html
[PR, pp. 159-67, from N.
Wolterstorff, “God Is Everlasting”]
Week 5
Is there evidence for
God’s existence?
RRB, 5.
PR, pp. 176-81, from
Anselm, Proslogion chs. 2-4; and
Gaunilo, (Appendix) On Behalf of the Fool
2-6; available at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/anselm/basic_works.html
PR, pp. 194-96, from
Aquinas, Summa contra Gentiles
PR, pp. 232-35, from W.
Paley, Natural Theology, ch. 1,
available at Google books
[PR, pp. 223-31, from J.
L. Mackie, “Critique of the Cosmological Argument”]
Week 6
Do we need evidence for
God’s existence?
RRB, 6.
PR, pp. 261-73, from A.
Plantinga, “The Reformed Objection to Natural Theology.”
[PR, pp. 280-86, from W.
Hasker, “The Case of the Intellectually Sophisticated Theist”]
Week 7
The case against
God’s existence: evil
RRB, 7.
PR, pp. 292-304, from
Augustine, Confessions VII.xii-xiii; Enchiridion (Faith, Hope, and Love) 9-16, available at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/augustine/confessions.html
; and D. Hume, Dialogues concerning
Natural Religion, part X, available at http://www.anselm.edu/homepage/dbanach/dnr.htm#A11
[PR, pp. 341-54, from J.
Hick, “Soul-Making Theodicy”]
Week 8
How does God relate to
the world?
RRB, 8.
PR, pp. 382-93, from P.
Helm, The
[PR, pp. 416-23, from
Cobb and
Week 9
Does God intervene in
earthly affairs?
RRB, 9.
PR, pp. 473-81, from
Hume, “Of Miracles.”
PR, pp. 488-96, from J.
L. Mackie, The Miracle of Theism.
[PR, pp. 481-87, from R.
Swinburne, “Miracles and Historical Evidence”]
Week 10
Are there reasons for
hope of life after death?
RRB, 10.
PR, pp. 510-20, from R.
Swinburne, The Evolution of the Soul.
[PR, pp. 529-39, from J.
Hick, “Resurrection of the Person”]
Week 11
How can we speak
meaningfully of God?
RRB, 11.
PR, pp. 427-34, from
Aquinas, Summa theologiae Ia.xiii.5
resp., and Disputed Questions on Truth
2.11; and A. Flew and B. Mitchell, “The Falsification Debate.”
PR, pp. 441-46, from R.
Ruether, Sexism and God-Talk.
[PR, pp. 435-41, from P.
Tillich, “Religious Language as Symbolic”]
Week 12
What is the relationship
between religion and science?
RRB, 12.
PR, pp. 559-62, from R.
Dawkins, “Science Discredits Religion.”
Week 13
How can we understand
differences among religions?
RRB, 13.
PR, pp. 584-88, from
Dalai Lama.
PR, pp. 597-607, from K.
Rahner, “Religious Inclusivism.”
[PR, pp. 607-17, from J.
Hick, “Religious Pluralism”]
Week 14
The relation of God to
morality
RRB, 14.
PR, pp. 629-42, from J.
P. Sartre, Existentialism and Human Emotions,
and Aquinas on Natural Law.
[PR, pp. 621-29, from A.
MacIntyre, “Which God Ought We to Obey?”]
Week 15
God and the human venture
RRB, 15.
Copleston, Frederick. A History of Philosophy. 9 vols. Garden
City: Image Books, 1962–75.
Davis, William H. Philosophy of Religion. The Way of Life
Series, 114.
Evans, C. Stephen. Philosophy of Religion: Thinking about Faith.
Moreland, J. P. and
William Lane Craig. Philosophical
Foundations for a Christian Worldview.
Munson, Ronald and Andrew
Black. The Elements of Reasoning. 5th
ed.
Peterson, Michael, et
al., eds. Philosophy of Religion:
Selected
Peterson, Michael, et al.
Reason and Religious Belief: An
Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion. 3rd ed.
Plantinga, Alvin. Warranted Christian Belief.
Pojman, Louis P. and
Michael Rea. Philosophy of Religion: An
Anthology. 5th ed.
Quinn, Philip L. and
Charles Taliaferro, eds. Companion to
Philosophy of Religion.
Rowe, William L. Philosophy of Religion: An Introduction.
4th ed.
Sanders, Andy F. and
Kristof de Ridder. Fifty Years of
Philosophy of Religion: A Select Bibliography (1955–2005).
Thiselton, Anthony C. A Concise Encyclopedia of the Philosophy of
Religion.
Zagzebski, Linda T. Philosophy of Religion: An Historical
Introduction.