Module THMN2137: God and Philosophy

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN2137: God and Philosophy

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To help students understand:
• philosophical debates concerning divergent metaphysical world-views and the implications of these debates for theology and modern culture;
• philosophical arguments concerning the existence and nature of God, and our language about God;
• philosophical contributions to the debate on God, evil and suffering;
• other current issues in the philosophy of religion, e.g. the possibility of miracles or issues in hermeneutics.

Content

• 1. Christianity and metaphysics: a brief outline.
• 2. Philosophical debates concerning the existence and nature of God.
• 3. ‘God-Talk’, and the importance of this area for theology.
• 4. Can philosophy contribute to the theological debate on God and suffering.
• 5. Current philosophical debates e.g. about miracles or issues in hermeneutics.

Learning Outcomes

• At the end of the course the student will be able to:
• 1. Assess the principle issues involved in metaphysical debates concerning divergent world- views.
• 2. Assess some of the arguments employed for and against the existence of God.
• 3. Assess some important aspects of philosophical disputes concerning God and suffering.
• 4. Assess some important aspects of philosophical disputes about miracles or issues in hermeneutics.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures, group discussion, group tutorials: 14 hours contact time

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

1500 word written assignment

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University