Graduate Education Institute · Philosophy and Religious Sciences · Master
Course Objective
Almost every religion has certain acceptions or arguments on knowledge, existence and values. When religion is approached philosophically, it is seen that these arguments are at times subject to critical discussions. The subject matter of discussions are mainly on the scope of ontology, epistemological ethics and religious language. The objective of this course is to enlighten students about the nature of the discussions for and against the acceptions of theism on existence of god, the relation of god and universe, freedom and life after death and bring them to the level of discussing on such matters.
Course Content
This course will dwell mainly upon the nature of faith, evidence adduced for and against existence of god, freedom (destiny), eternity, miracles, God-universe relation, etc.
Required Resources
Mehmet S. Aydın, Din Felsefesi (Ankara: Selçuk Yayınları, 1992). .
Recommended Resources
1. Michael Peterson vd., Reason and Religious Belief: Itroduction to the Philosophy of Religion (Akıl ve İnanç: Din Felsefesine Giriş,) çev. Rahim Acar (İstanbul: Küre Yayınları, 2006).
2. Michael Peterson vd., Philosophy of Religion: Selected Texts (Din Felsefesi: Secme Metinler,) Çev. Rahim Acar vd., İstanbul, 2013.
3. Latif Tokat (ed.) Philosophy of Religion (Din Felsefesi,) Ankara 2018.
Course Learning Outcomes
- Students learn about the nature of religion and philosophical thinking
- Students learn how to approach religion in terms of philosophy
- Students comprehend the dynamics of the criticism against religion and god, and reaches the level to discuss these criticism and objections.
Core Area Distribution
Teaching Methods
Assessment & Evaluation
ECTS / Workload
| Activity | Quantity | Duration (h) | Total Workload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Duration (Including Exam Week) | 16 | 3 | 48 |
| Out of Class Study Period | 16 | 8 | 128 |
| Midterm | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Quiz | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Assignment | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Practice | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Final | 1 | 6 | 6 |
Course Schedule
| Week | Subject | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Relation of religion and philosophy in general. | Books with the name "introduction to the philosophy of Religion" in Turkish. |
| 2 | Has any religion its own problem with special reffenence to the philosophy. | General writins in the history of religions. |
| 3 | Problems of the philosophy of religion with special refference to theistic religions. | Michael Peterson and others, "Reason and faith- Introduction part. |
| 4 | Previous subject matter. | Books and articles in general. |
| 5 | continued on same subject matter. | Books and articles in the philosophy and religion. |
| 6 | Methafysical Problems: The existence of God. | M. S. Reçber, The nature of and possibibility of knowing God; R. Swinburne, The Existence of God. |
| 7 | Epistemological problems. | Arguments for the existence of God, in related books. |
| 8 | Quiz | Quiz. |
| 9 | Relation between knowledge and Faith. | H. Özcan, Faith with special Refference epistemology. |
| 10 | Believing in God without argument- mysticism. | Second chapter of "Reason and Faith" |
| 11 | Miracle in theistic religions. | Latif Tokat,(ed.) "Miracle" in Din Felsefesi. |
| 12 | Religious Language. | T. Koç, Religious Language.(Book). |
| 13 | Relation of ethics and religion. | M. S. Aydın, Relation of Ethic and God. |
| 14 | Religious pluralism. | Rahim Acar, Religioub pluralism.(book). |
| 15 | Relation between religion and art. | T. Burckhardt. Art of Islam. |
| 16 | Final exam. | Final. |