Syllabus
Texts: Philosophy of Religion: Selected Readings, Third Edition, by Michael Peterson, et al.
Reason and Religious Belief, Third Edition, by Michael Peterson, et al. (recommended)
Philosophers without Gods, by Louise Antony (recommended)
(available at Amherst Books)
Instructor: Barak Krakauer
krakauer@philos.umass.edu
Bartlett 355
Office Hours: M, 11:00-12:00
Location: MWF, 12:20-1:10 || Bartlett 206
Description:
In this course, we will survey some of the most important topics in the philosophical study of religion and religious belief. Topics will include arguments for and against the existence of God, the rationality of faith and religious belief, the problem of evil, the nature of God, the afterlife, and the relation of science to religion.
It is important to note that this is not a class in comparative religion or religious studies: we will not be studying the religious beliefs of different peoples. This is not a class in theology: we will not assume that any particular religion or set of religious beliefs is true, and we will not assume that any particular religious texts or traditions are correct. Rather, we will be formulating arguments that attempt to arrive at important truths about the nature and existence of God and religious belief.
People often hold their beliefs about religion very strongly; you must be willing to carefully and impartially evaluate the questions raised in this class in spite of what you might believe. It is also extremely important that you be respectful of the beliefs of your fellow students.
Requirements:
There will be two exams and one paper. Grades will be determined as follows:
Exam 1: 30%
Exam 2: 30%
Paper: 40%
Exams: There will be two in-class exams during the semester. The exams will cover material discussed in the readings and in the class. Each exam will consist of four or five short essay questions. The exams will each cover a unit of material and not be cumulative.
If you will be absent on the day of an exam and need to schedule a make-up, you must let me know on the day before the exam; scheduling make-up exams otherwise will be at my discretion.
Paper: Each student will write a paper on the topic of his or her choice. The paper should be approximately 8-10 pages. Your proposed paper topic must be approved by me.
You are expected to attend each class and participate regularly.
Late Policy:
Any paper that is handed in late (and without an extension) will be penalized by one grade (for example, an A will become an A-). To get an extension, you must email me before the day the assignment is due.
Disabilities:
If you have a documented learning disability on record with the university, let me know as soon as possible.
Academic Honesty:
Plagiarism, cheating, or other violations of academic honesty will not be tolerated. Any student caught cheating in this course will be subject to the most severe penalties consistent with university policy.
Reason and Religious Belief, Third Edition, by Michael Peterson, et al. (recommended)
Philosophers without Gods, by Louise Antony (recommended)
(available at Amherst Books)
Instructor: Barak Krakauer
krakauer@philos.umass.edu
Bartlett 355
Office Hours: M, 11:00-12:00
Location: MWF, 12:20-1:10 || Bartlett 206
Description:
In this course, we will survey some of the most important topics in the philosophical study of religion and religious belief. Topics will include arguments for and against the existence of God, the rationality of faith and religious belief, the problem of evil, the nature of God, the afterlife, and the relation of science to religion.
It is important to note that this is not a class in comparative religion or religious studies: we will not be studying the religious beliefs of different peoples. This is not a class in theology: we will not assume that any particular religion or set of religious beliefs is true, and we will not assume that any particular religious texts or traditions are correct. Rather, we will be formulating arguments that attempt to arrive at important truths about the nature and existence of God and religious belief.
People often hold their beliefs about religion very strongly; you must be willing to carefully and impartially evaluate the questions raised in this class in spite of what you might believe. It is also extremely important that you be respectful of the beliefs of your fellow students.
Requirements:
There will be two exams and one paper. Grades will be determined as follows:
Exam 1: 30%
Exam 2: 30%
Paper: 40%
Exams: There will be two in-class exams during the semester. The exams will cover material discussed in the readings and in the class. Each exam will consist of four or five short essay questions. The exams will each cover a unit of material and not be cumulative.
If you will be absent on the day of an exam and need to schedule a make-up, you must let me know on the day before the exam; scheduling make-up exams otherwise will be at my discretion.
Paper: Each student will write a paper on the topic of his or her choice. The paper should be approximately 8-10 pages. Your proposed paper topic must be approved by me.
You are expected to attend each class and participate regularly.
Late Policy:
Any paper that is handed in late (and without an extension) will be penalized by one grade (for example, an A will become an A-). To get an extension, you must email me before the day the assignment is due.
Disabilities:
If you have a documented learning disability on record with the university, let me know as soon as possible.
Academic Honesty:
Plagiarism, cheating, or other violations of academic honesty will not be tolerated. Any student caught cheating in this course will be subject to the most severe penalties consistent with university policy.
