2021-2022 Yavapai College Catalog 
    
    Apr 19, 2024  
2021-2022 Yavapai College Catalog [PREVIOUS CATALOG YEAR]

PHI 233 - Philosophy of Religion: East and West


Description: Use of philosophical methods to study religion and religious beliefs from both Eastern and Western perspectives. Some of the questions include: What is religion? What counts as evidence for a religious belief? Can reasoning or experience give good grounds for religious belief? Does faith require philosophically sound reasoning? Is it philosophically justified to believe in miracles? What tools does philosophy provide for examining religious concepts? How can a good God exist if there's so much suffering in the world? How should humans react to suffering? Is there a conflict between religion and science? How can the diversity of religions be explained? Is religion a good thing for humanity?

Prerequisites: ENG 101  or ENG 101A  or ENG 103 . Reading Proficiency.

General Education Competency: Written Communication; Diversity; Critical Thinking

Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Lab: 0

Course Content:
  1. The nature and foundation of religion
  2. Philosophical methods for studying religion
  3. Relationship between reason and religion
  4. Evidence for and against religious belief
  5. The nature of good and evil
  6. Life and death, human nature, and personal identity
  7. Making sense of conflicting religious claims

Learning Outcomes:
  1. Classify and compare religious concepts and symbols within their historical and cultural contexts. (1-4)
  2. Analyze key philosophical problems dealing with the nature of religion and specific religious traditions. (3-7)
  3. Develop an informed position with regards to personal beliefs. (1-7)

Required Assessment:
  1. Demonstrate thoughtful and precise writing skills by completing at least 2,500 words of monitored writing, which includes a 1,500 word essay that undergoes iterations of the writing process (i.e., outline, rough draft, and etc.), using academically appropriate sources.