REL 351
PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION

INTRODUCTION

In this course you will explore philosophical issues concerning monotheistic religious belief through both classical and contemporary readings. There will be three parts to the course, with an examination after each part. After briefly familiarizing yourself with some basics concerning philosophy and logic, you will spend the first part of the course (a) addressing whether human thought and language is even capable of thinking and talking about God and (b) seeking to understand carefully the concept of God. In the second part of the course you will review various arguments for the existence of God and whether faith is permissible if no proof of God can be given. In the third and final part of the course you will examine various "defeaters" of theism, including the problem of evil, the diversity of religions, and the existence of natural, scientific theories of religion.

This course offers three (3) hours of academic credit.

COURSE EXAMS AND FINAL EXAMINATION

The student will take TWO Course Exams and a Final Examination at a physical location in a college or university setting. Detailed instructions and Course Exam and Final Examination applications are included in the syllabus. Information reguarding tests and procedures can be found in General Information.

COURSE APPROVAL

The course is approved by the chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion, College of Liberal Arts, of The University of Mississippi. The instructor is appointed by the department chair.

INSTRUCTOR

Neil A. Manson is an assistant professor of philosophy at The University of Mississippi. He holds BA degrees in both English and Philosophy from The University of Maryland, College Park, and a PhD in Philosophy from Syracuse University.

TEXTBOOKS

The Ole Miss Bookstore currently stocks the textbooks needed for Independent Study courses. Click here to order textbooks online. Select the term, department, and course number. Select “I Study” for the section number. To order by phone, call 662-915-7137 and be sure to indicate that you are ordering textbooks for an Independent Study course.

To apply for the course, go here.

If you need assistance or have additional questions please email us at indstudy@olemiss.edu.