1. Philosophy of Religion Welcome and Orientation Dr. Elizabeth Shadish

2. Orientation Session Roster and Adds If space permits, I will add at the end of class today Brief review of handouts My comments and your questions about the content of this course

3. While the Roster is Called… Review handouts – your first quiz will be on this information. Bring a 10-question Scantron on Tuesday, Feb 19 for this quiz For a good semester - be prepared to talk openly, rationally and respectfully with each other.

4. Course Content – Required Material Textbooks Kessler – Philosophy of Religion: Toward and Global Perspective Judd – Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Religion Research access to materials beyond encyclopedias (either paper or online) Recommended: Instructor-generated and Internet-accessible support materials

5. Assignments and Grading – Individual Work Three Exams (non-cumulative) - taken in class. Bring clean-edged paper or a blue book for these tests. Three 1 – 1 ½ page Reflection Papers – personal views on specific topics in the philosophy of religion (typed, double-spaced)

6. Assignments and Grading – Class- Oriented Work Debate Team Presentation and Report – each of you will be a presenter in one debate. Some research is required. To be submitted immediately after the debate. Audience Participation Reports – short responses to, and questions about, our various debates. Must be typed/double-spaced, in preparation for debates

7. Questions about Logistics? Suggestions: Keep your syllabus handy – we have lots of assignments that can’t be submitted late. One exception – the “NQA” or “No Questions Asked” pass for one debate report. Read actively – think about what you’re reading, ask questions as you read, not your agreements and disagreements with what you’re reading…

8. Thinking Philosophically about Religion We are not: Systematically covering world religions Promoting or debunking religious beliefs and practices We are: Questioning and analyzing religious beliefs and practices For their reasonableness For their truth

9. Examples of Questions: Who is God? Is There a Life after Death? Does Religion Oppress Women? Are All Religions True?

10. Philosophy and Truth Aquinas: faith is superior to reason and argument (with regard to religious doctrines) Three reasons to seek evidence that religious doctrines are in fact true:  We are rational beings who naturally seek to exercise our minds  Many argue that at least some aspects of religious doctrine can be supported by reason  The contemporary appeal of evidentialism

11. Philosophy and Meaning If you don’t understand a concept or belief, you can’t begin to question it fairly. Determining meaning = providing a workable and reasonable definition Example: “What is the nature of religion?”

12. Consider: Religious Diversity Taoism Buddhism Judaism, Christianity and Islam  Ba’hai  Unitarianism  Wicca  Atheism or Science?

13. PhilosophyTheology Both deal with fundamental issues, and with the meaning of life. Questions all assumptions Seeks wisdom in the context of rational inquiry Accepts fundamental assumptions Seeks wisdom in the context of spiritual growth ________________________________________________________

14. Answering our Questions Both readings and debates are designed to help you explore our questions. Remember that tests are not about your views (unless asked) No final or definitive answers are expected – just well-reasoned answers

15. Your Resources You will have plenty of help Each other! Professor accessibility eshadish@elcamino.edu SOCS 213B – TTh, 8:00 – 9:30 am Online (instant email) – W, 4 – 6:00 pm Website with some resources: http://www.elcamino.edu/faculty/eshadish/Phil 7/Index7.htm http://www.elcamino.edu/faculty/eshadish/Phil 7/Index7.htm

16. So – Let’s Get Started! Be sure that you ask about anything that confuses you early in the class. Keep a dictionary handy Start by reading Sections 1.1 and 1.4 in the Kessler text. See you next class!