PHIL229
Philosophy of Religion: Rationality, Science, and the God Hypothesis
Occurrences
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PHIL229-11S1 (C)
Semester One 2011
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PHIL229-11S2 (C)
Semester Two 2011
- Not Offered
Description
Why does the universe exist, rather than nothing at all? Does life imply a designer? Can we show by pure logic that a supreme being exists? Is a person a non-physical soul or only a neural net encased in a skull? Can I survive my death or is belief in an afterlife a trick of evolution? Isn't all the suffering in the world evidence against the hypothesis of a benevolent God? Can human beings tell what is morally right and wrong, or do we need a 'God's-eye-view'? Is science compatible with religion? Is there one and only one true religion? What is 'faith' and what is 'reason' - and who decides? This course presupposes no prior knowledge of the philosophy of religion; it is aimed at students from a wide range of backgrounds, as well as philosophy majors.
At least 15 points in Philosophy or Religious Studies. Students without this prerequisite but with at least 60 points in appropriate subjects may be admitted with the approval of the Programme Coordinator.
