The course will address the topic of miracles from the perspective of the philosophy of religion. The first part of the course will address the problems of defining miracles, the distinction between miracles, magical acts, and paranormal phenomena, the conception of miracles in classical theism, modern philosophical critiques of miracles, their impact on religious apologetics, and the revival of interest in the topic in contemporary analytic philosophy of religion. In the second part, the course will address some key points in the philosophical debate on miracles: whether they are extraordinary and inexplicable events, whether they constitute a violation of the laws of nature, whether testimony of miracles is reliable, whether they should be conceived as divine intervention, what constitutes their nature as a sign, and whether they raise a moral issue. The educational objectives of the course are to provide students with an adequate understanding of the topics covered, as well as the skills of critical analysis, argumentation, and objective discussion.

- The Miracle: Preliminary Definitions

- Models for Understanding Miracles

- Modern Criticism of Miracles and the Defense of the Theists

- The Miracle as an Extraordinary and Inexplicable Event

- Divine Action and Miracles

- The Selectivity of Miracles: A Moral Problem?

None.

At the end of the course, students must demonstrate:

a) with regard to knowledge and understanding, an adequate understanding of religious phenomena within the context of scientific rationality; the ability to approach the topic of miracles with rational analytical tools; and the ability to analyze the opportunities and problems posed by the current debate between naturalism and theism.

b) with regard to applied knowledge and understanding, the ability to apply acquired skills, abilities, and understanding in the discussion and resolution of conceptual problems related to the main subjects covered.

c) with regard to independent judgment, the ability to independently and critically analyze key issues inherent in the various topics covered, with particular reference to the relationship between religion, philosophy, and science.

d) regarding communication skills, the ability to communicate one's knowledge clearly, coherently, and well-argued, and the ability to interact with the instructor and other students, both in lectures, in-depth seminars, and exams.

e) regarding learning skills, the ability to discern the complexity of religious phenomena, assessing their significance for individual and social life, highlighting critical issues, and integrating them into the overall cultural dynamic.

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

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.

 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:

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.