1. Introduction to Philosophical Concepts in Religion General Expectations & Objectives
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2. Objectives Understanding the philosophical UNDERPINNINGS of Religion
A high level overview of history of philosophy
Understanding how knowledge/belief and logic works
Understanding philosophy of religion
Exploring core philosophical items such as:
Existence of God
Morality
Afterlife
Pros/Cons of Religion & Faith
What is the future of God and religion
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3. Guidelines
Frank and open discussion with respect for everyone’s opinion
Not a session to skew/slant opinions of existing faith rather an inquiry based exercise to “initiate” a debate
No right or wrong answers – all opinions are welcome. Focus on INQUIRY & THOUGHT rather than definite outcomes.
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4. I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think - Socrates
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5. Session Schedule R.N. https://rationalhumor.wordpress.com/ Session #
Date / Time
Session Name
Brief Description 1
Jan 24th – Sunday
2:00pm to 4:00pm
General Concepts & History of Philosophy
Understand what are the various belief systems. Historical Review of how Philosophy evolved 2
Jan 31stth – Sunday
General Philosophy an Introduction
General Introduction into what is the branch of Philosophy and then specifically review religious philosophy 3
Feb 7th – Sunday
Philosophy of Religion
How philosophy is handled and presented in the various MAJOR religions – Abrahaministic & Eastern 4
Feb 14th – Sunday
Logic & Logical Fallacies
Understanding Logic and understanding how to identify fallacies in arguments 5
Feb 21st – Sunday
Arguments for the Existence of God
Theological arguments; Ontological Arguments and Teleological Arguments for the Existence of God 6
Feb 28th – Sunday
Philosophical issues with existence of God
Philosophical issues with existence – Boeing 747 Gambit; Russell’s TeaPot; Morality etc. 7
March 7th - Sunday
Free Will and Theodicy
The problem of Free Will with respect to Omnipotence; Omniscience and Omni benevolence.
Problem with Evil 8
March 14th – Sunday
Putting it all together
Summarizing key concepts
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6. Additional Information
Approximately 1 to 1.15 hrs of lecture and remaining time either group discussions or exercises
Reference Materials:
Sophie’s World - Amazon Link
Introduction to Philosophy - Link in Amazon
An Introduction to Philosophy (Youtube) – Oxford University -
A Brief History of Time – Stephen Hawkins
Beyond Einstien –the Cosmic Quest for the Theory of the Universe – Michio Kaku (LINK )
The Basics of Philosophy -
Logical Fallacies -
Philosophy Exercises -
Philosophy Experiments -
Standford Encyclopedia of Philosophy -
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