Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title METAPHYSICAL AND EPISTEMIC ISSUES IN PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
Code PHIL715
Coordinator Dr D Hill
Philosophy
Djhill@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To give the student a detailed grasp of the current state of discussion in the major arguments for the existence of God, and in problems concerning the concept of God, predominantly in the Western tradition.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will demonstrate an advanced awareness of various issues and controversies in the philosophy of religion.

(LO2) Students will show the capacity to systematically analyze contemporary debates in the philosophy of religion.

(LO3) Students will demonstrate the ability to advance arguments with appropriate rigour and to come to reasoned conclusions.

(LO4) Students will show an ability to appreciate and evaluate different points of view on matters relevant to the philosophy of religion.

(S1) Students will enhance their abilities in the reading and analysis of complex texts

(S2) Students will develop their skills in thinking critically and analysing arguments with clarity, precision and rigour

(S3) Students will enhance their capacities to respond creatively and critically to intellectual challenges.

(S4) Students will develop their competence in undertaking independent research and information retrieval

(S5) Students will develop their capacities to marshall and structure arguments in academic form

(S6) Students will develop their willingness critically to evaluate to arguments, beliefs, proposals and values, both their own and of others

(S7) Students will enhance their capacity to participate, respectfully and reflectively, in debates about controversial and profound matters

(S8) Students will develop their skills in time management

(S9) Students will develop the fluency and maturity of their academic writing skills

(S10) Students will enhance their skills in oral debate about complex and controversial matters

Syllabus
 

Indicative topics might include:
The Logic of 'God'
What is God? I: Perfection & Creation
What is God? II: Omnipotence & Goodness
What is God? III: Eternity & Omniscience
Why Believe? I: Necessity & Morality
Why Believe? II: Contingency & Order
Faith, Experience, and Gambling
The Problem of Evil I: Theodicy
The Problem of Evil II: Defence
Divine Action: Miracles, Prayer, & Incarnation

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Seminar
Description: 11 x 1 hour seminar per week.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Lecture
Description: 11 x 1 hour lectures per week
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: Lecture attendance is optional and dependent on previous experience.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 11

 11

         22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 128
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Essay There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  3,000 words    100       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.