Philosophy of ReligionPHIL 312 (3 hr lecture/week) Dr. Carlos A. ColombettiOffice: 1-122 (MW 130 - 230; TR 1230 - 130; F 11-1)(650) [email protected] DescriptionAn introduction to philosophical thinking about religion, focusing on the existence of God, the possibility of an afterlife, the occurrence of miracles, the problem of evil, intelligent design, and related topics. Recommended: eligibility for ENGL 100 or 105. Transferable UC/CSU (C2).Required TextsWilliam Rowe, Philosophy of Religion: an Introduction, 4th ed. (Thomson/Wadsworth 2007). Louis Pojman and Michael Rea, Philosophy of Religion: an Anthology, 5th ed. (Thomson/Wadsworth 2008)Recommended online resources: The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy Stanford Encyclopedia of PhilosophyCourse Requirements and GradingStudents are expected maintain a steady pace of reading and studying (read before class; read twice). 4 Exams: 100 points each. They will consist of multiple choice questions (60 points) and a take- home essay (40 points). The essay portion of the exam will be based upon a topic announced in class. The essays should betyped, double-spaced, 12 point fonts, and about 3 pages. Your essay will consist of both summary and analysis of an argument presented in the text or in class. You may draw upon materials in the text, lecture, or outside reading (but you must cite any sources that you use). 10 points off if late.Attendance and Participation will be graded for a maximum of 20 points. To earn the maximum points, come to class regularly and on time, contribute to discussions, pose questions. When roll is taken, each student is marked P for present, E for excused, A for absent, or L for Late. Two L’s equals one A. Youshould not be absent more than 5 days, after which 5 points per day will be deducted (up to 20). The letter grade for the course will be determined using the following scale.A = 378 – 420 B = 336 – 377 C = 294 – 335 D = 252 – 293 F = 0- 251Academic StandardsPlagiarism or cheating will result in an F grade (0 points) and possible disciplinary action. It is your responsibility to be informed.Withdrawal PolicyDo not assume that you will be automatically dropped if you stop coming to class. If you wish to drop, you must do so using WebSMART. Failure to drop in a timely manner may result in an F grade in the course.Make up and Late work PolicyLate essays are deducted 10 points unless student has a valid excuse.Missed exams can be made up by arrangement.To receive an incomplete (“I” grade) student must have taken at least two exams with a passing grade.Extra Credit:No extra credit assignments will be available for this course. Your best strategy for success is to study the text, maintain a steady pace of work, write good essays, and come to class prepared.Student Learning Outcomeso SLO 1. Ability to formulate core questions in the philosophy of religion (metaphysical, epistemological, ethical) and understand the various philosophical responses to them.o SLO 2. Ability to evaluate claims and arguments in the philosophy of religion (concerning the existence of God, the occurrence of miracles, etc.) using the rigorous deductive and inductive techniques of critical thinking.o SLO 3. Students will embody the qualities of an open-minded but critical thinker in the examination or formation of their worldview.Tentative Schedule of Reading AssignmentsWeek Class Topics AssignmentsRead before class; read twiceUNIT ONE: 1: Jan 19-22 Orientation and introduction Rowe: Introduction and Chapter 12: Jan 25- 29 The Cosmological Argument Rowe: Chapter 2; Aquinas (p. 12-14) 3: Feb 1-5 The Cosmological Argument Clarke, Edwards, Draper (14-24; 45-50)4: Feb 8-11 The Ontological Argument Rowe: Chapter 3 Holiday: Fri 2/12 5: Feb 17-20 The Ontological Argument Anselm, Gaunilo, Kant (p. 3-9) Holiday: Mon 2/15 EXAM ONEUNIT TWO: 6: Feb 22-26 The Design Argument Paley and Hume (54-63); Rowe: Chapter 47: Mar 1-5 The Design Argument (continued)8: Mar 8, 9 Religious and Mystical Experience Rowe: Chapter 5No classes Weds, Thu, Fri 9: March 15-19 Faith and Reason Rowe: Chapter 6EXAM TWOUNIT THREE: 10: Mar 22-26 The Problem of Evil Dostoevsky (158-164); Hume & Leibniz (147-158)11: Mar 29-Apr 2 The Problem of Evil Rowe: Chapter 7, Hick/Madden/Hare (165-173)Spring Break: April 5-912: Apr 12-16 Miracles and the Modern World View Hume (276-285); Rowe: Chapter 813: Apr 19-23 Miracles (continued)EXAM THREEUNIT FOUR:14: April 26-30 Life After Death Russell and Hick (336-345)15: May 3-7 Life After Death Rowe: Chapter 9, Olen (345-355)16: May 10-14 Predestination and Freedom Rowe: Chapter 1017: May 17-21 Many Religions Rowe: Chapter 11EXAM FOUR (final exam)Wednesday 26th at