1. Language Games and the Via Negativa.
To explore ‘Language Games’ and the Via Negativa.
To evaluate whether these arguments make religious language more meaningful.
Do Now: Which of these lists is a better description of God? Why?
Use the word ‘anthropomorphism’ in your answer.
List 2:
Gods goodness is not like human goodness.
Gods power is not like anything in the universe.
Gods love is not like human love.
Anthropomorphism:
The act of attributing human characteristics to something which isn’t human.
List 1:
God is good.
God is powerful.
God is loving.

2. Read about the ‘Via Negativa’.
Answer the comprehension questions:
What is the Via Negativa also known as?
What does it attempt to do?
Which person is this idea associated with and what did he think?
Which issues of religious language does the Via Negativa address?
What are the potential issues with it?

3. Pick a sport and explain the rules of it to the person next to you. E
Pick a sport and explain the rules of it to the person next to you. E.g. Tennis, Netball, Swimming, Football, badminton, athletics or anything!
Remember to use key terms.
Lets play a game……
Court
Defence
Goal
Offside Rule
Penalty
Wing Attack
Scrum
Pitch
Lap
What might be the issue with trying to talk in detail about two different sports at once?
Shuttlecock
Centre
Match point

4. Similarly Ludwig Wittgenstein proposed Language game theory.
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What was Wittgenstein’s approach to language?
What is the implication for Religious Language?
Extension – Does this make religious language meaningful or meaningless?

5. Extension – How could you have used the Via Negativa and Language game Theory in your most recent assessment?
Task: Read the information on language games.
In your own words summarise what ‘Language Games’ are. And what the implication is for Religious Language.

6. Now complete the essay on paper.
Mind map with your partner what you might include in this essay.
Assess the success of Language Game theory and the Via Negativa in proving Religious Language to be meaningful. (12 Marks).
Now complete the essay on paper.

7. Further criticisms of language game theory…
If religious language is a language game how can there be interfaith discussion
It is possible for non-believers to accept religious language from an objective point of view
Non-believers understanding of religious language maybe less biased
Religious believers are involved not only in language games connected to religious language so they have common ground for discussion with non-believers

8. Consolidation: Peer assess using the criteria.