The course will introduce the main topics of the philosophy of religion, understood as a rational analysis of religion and religions. The first part of the course will consider its historical origins, method, and ends as an academic discipline. The second part of the course will deal with its main issues, to offer a synthetic presentation on each of them, an orientation on the current discussion, and some ideas for critical assessment. The learning objectives are to make students acquire basic knowledge, argumentation, and discussion skills for each topic covered.

1) Philosophy of religion: method, content, aims.

2) The definition of religion.

3) Religious belief and rationality.

4) The existence and nature of God.

5) The problem of evil and the meaning of human life.

6) Religious diversity.

None.

Students must demonstrate:

a) Concerning knowledge and understanding: the knowledge of the religious phenomenon in general and its primary historical forms; the ability to deal with the spiritual problem with the instruments of rational analysis; the ability to analyze opportunities and issues raised by contemporary religious pluralism.

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 autonomy in making judgments: the ability to analyze and scrutinize the key topics of the course, especially the relationship among religion, individual beliefs, and society.

d) Concerning communication skills: the ability to communicate clearly and coherently the acquired knowledge and to discuss the course topics 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. 

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

M. Peterson-W. Hasker-B. Reichenbach-D. Basinger, Reason & Religious Belief. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2009.

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

M. Peterson-W. Hasker-B. Reichenbach-D. Basinger, Reason & Religious Belief. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2009.

Assessment

An oral examination assesses the student, considered the best tool for determining the level of linguistic competence and 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.