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.

(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

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

‘Standard’ delivery is campus-based. Hybrid/online variants are given below.
Teaching Method 1 – Seminar (synchronous; online or on campus as circumstances permit)
Description: 11 x 1 hour seminar per week.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 – Lecture (asynchronous, online).
These are supplementary lectures to offer a foundation in general philosophy of religion for students with no prior background.
Description: 11 x 1 hour lectures per week
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: Lecture attendance is optional and dependent on previous experience.