The course will address the theme of miracles from the perspective of the philosophy of religion. The first part of the course will deal with the problems of defining miracles, the distinction between miracles, magical acts and paranormal phenomena, the conception of miracles in classical theism, the modern philosophical criticism of miracles, their repercussions on religious apologetics and the revival of interest in the topic in contemporary analytical philosophy of religion. In the second part, the course will address some qualifying points of the philosophical discussion on miracles: whether they are extraordinary and inexplicable events, whether they consist of a violation of the laws of nature, whether the testimony of miracles is reliable, whether they should be conceived as divine intervention, what constitutes their nature as a sign, whether they raise a moral problem. The course's educational objectives are to enable students to acquire adequate knowledge of the topics covered and the ability to analyze and engage in objective discussions critically.

- The Miracle: Preliminary Definitions

- Models of Understanding the Miracle

- Modern Criticism of the Miracle and the Teistic Defense

- The Miracle as an Extraordinary and Inexplicable Event

- Divine Action and Miracle

- Miraculous Signs and the Problem of Religious Diversity

None.

Students must demonstrate:

a) Concerning knowledge and understanding: the awareness of the issues raised by the miracle in the scientific context; the ability to conceive the complexity of the religious phenomenon; the ability to understand the theoretical reasons that underlie a religious worldview , and the possibility of a productive dialogue among religion, culture, and science.

b) Concerning applied knowledge and understanding: the ability to apply acquired knowledge and skills in the discussion about the main topic of the course.

c) Concerning the autonomy in making judgments: the ability to analyze and scrutinize the key topics of the course, especially about the relationship among religion, individuals, society.

d) Concerning communication skills: the ability to communicate in a clear and coherent way the acquired knowledge as well as to discuss the topics of the course together with other students.

e) Concerning learning skills: the ability to evaluate the complexity of the religious phenomenon, by pointing out its relevance for individual and social life and its issues as well.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Frontal lessons

Attendance

Attendance at 2/3 of the lessons.

Course books

A. Aguti, Il miracolo. Saggio di filosofia della religione, Morcelliana, Brescia 2025.

Assessment

The assessment of the student is carried out by an oral examination, considered as the best tool for assessing the level of linguistic competence and the level of learning. The precise knowledge of the subjects of examination, the ability to establish the appropriate connections between the latter, and the linguistic property of their exposure are the basic criteria for determining the grade to be given to the student.

 Attending students can elaborate a brief essay about the main topics of the course, with the aim of improving the knowledge concerning relevant issues of the course. An intermediary examination will be possible, in order to test the reached level of knowledge.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Individual study.

Attendance

Full study of the suggested text.

Course books

To allow non-attending students to compensate for what they have done with independent study and to promote their complete understanding of the course topic, the following books are indicated:

R. A. Larmer, The Legitimacy of Miracle, Lexington Books, Plymouth 2014

Assessment

The assessment of the student is carried out by an oral examination, considered as the best tool for assessing the level of linguistic competence and the level of learning. The precise knowledge of the subjects of examination, the ability to establish the appropriate connections between the latter, and the linguistic property of their exposure are the basic criteria for determining the grade to be given to the student.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.