Philosophy of Religion

Course Description

"The philosophy of religion is philosophic thinking about religion.  It attempts to probe the underlying assumptions of personal faith and organized religion....Philosophers who explore such questions are sympathetic to the spirit of religion and the remarkably rich traditions, institutions and forms of worship that have persisted from the beginning of civilization itself....At the same time, they are as critical of spiritual claims as any other claims, demanding evidence and reasoned argument to prove that religious statements are true and not just emotionally comforting." 

-Burton Porter, Religion & Reason.

The goals of this course are two-fold.  The first is to help the student "gain a deeper understanding of what religious belief entails, what choices exist, and what kinds of logical considerations apply in reaching an intelligent decision" (Porter 2).  The second is to offer the student opportunities to reflect on his or her own religious experience and beliefs.

Each student will be encouraged to wonder, to explore, to critically examine, and to engage the problems, the authors, the instructor, and each other.  While the philosophical method often brings challenges to our beliefs, each person will be treated with respect and fairness.

Behavioral Objectives

The student will have a deeper understanding of:

1.  the phenomenon of religion;

2.  the relation of reason and faith;

3.  arguments for and against the existence of God;

4.  the nature of mystical experiences;

5.  the relation of science and religion;

6.  explanations of natural evil;

7.      religious pluralism;

8.      arguments concerning immortality.

The student should be able to:

1.  identify and explain the significance of basic philosophical terms, works, and figures;

2.  explain and interconnect the basic philosophical approaches, questions and theories discussed in the course;

3.  critically appraise the strengths and weaknesses of the positions presented;

4.  bring the readings, discussions and philosophies to current issues;

5.  bring the readings, discussions and philosophies to your life.

Evaluation

Preparation, participation, and daily written assignments                                               20%

First Examination                                                                                                        15%

Second Examination                                                                                                   15%

Final Examination                                                                                                       20%

Two short papers (4 - 5 pages each, typed, double-spaced)                                       30%

Preparation and Attendance

Students are required to attend class and be prepared.  Frequent absences and/or lack of preparation will result in an unsatisfactory daily and/or course grade.  It is hoped that most students will attend every class; IT IS ASSUMED THAT NO STUDENT WILL MISS MORE THAN TWO CLASSES.  Normally, each absence over 2 (whether excused or unexcused) will reduce the final course grade by 3 points.  Please let the instructor know if an absence is due to illness or an unavoidable conflict.

Students should check the website the day before every class to determine changes and additions to daily  assignments.

Daily assignments must be typed.   Failure to do daily assignments will substantially lower the final grade even beyond the 20% given to daily assignments.

Late daily assignments (except in cases of absence due to illness) will not be accepted, and will be given a grade of zero.  One daily grade will be dropped.  Late papers other than daily papers will be accepted at the instructor's discretion, with a substantial penalty.

Grading Scale

A          93 ‑ 100                                  C+  77 ‑ 79

A‑         90 ‑  92                                   C    73 ‑ 76

B+        87 ‑  89                                   C‑   70 ‑ 72 

B          83 ‑  86                                   D+  67 ‑ 69

B‑         80 ‑  82                                                                       D    60 ‑ 66                  F   below 60

Disability Accommodations

If you are a student with a verified disability and you require accommodations, please provide me with the necessary memorandum that was given to you by Student Disability Services.   Contact: The Coordinator of Disability Services: Sandy Rogelberg, 704-337-2508 / rogelbes@queens.edu.

Honor Code

The Honor Code, which permeates all phases of university life, is based on three fundamental principles.  It assumes that Queens students: a) are truthful at all times, b) respect the property of others, and c) are honest in tests, examinations, term papers, and all other academic assignments.  It is a violation of the Honor Code for a student to be untruthful concerning the reason for a class absence.  Please contact me if you believe a violation of the Honor Code has occurred. 

University Closings / Cancelled Classes

In the rare occasion when it is necessary to close the university announcements will be made on TV and radio, and will be posted on the Queens web site (www.queens.edu).  Students who live on campus will be notified of a decision to cancel classes through their voice mail.  Commuter students should call the Queens Information Hotline (704-337-2567).   NOTE: If classes are meeting but you feel that you cannot find a safe way to get to class, you should notify me as soon as possible.

Texts

Covington, Dennis.  Salvation on Sand Mountain: Snake Handling and Redemption in Southern Appalachia

Nicholi, Armand.  The Question of God:  C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God, Love, Sex, and the

Meaning of Life.

Stairs, Allen and Bernard, Christopher.  A Thinker’s Guide to the Philosophy of Religion.

Four excellent websites to use for this course:

The site for this course:  through http://portal.queens.edu

            The PBS site for our text:  http://www.pbs.org/questionofgod

An excellent philosophy launching site:   http://www.epistemelinks.com

Stunk’s Elements of Style:   http://www.bartleby.com/141/