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Academic Year 2003/2004

Christianity and Philosophy
PHIL 261 SP

In this course we will examine a number of different ways in which Christianity and philosophy have crossed paths. After introductions to Christianity and philosophy in late antiquity, we will look at early Christian discussions of whether Christians could also practice philosophy and both early and recent apologetics and anti-apologetics, in which the merits of the Christian faith are disputed. We will then spend a substantial portion of the semester looking at ways that Christian doctrine was synthesized, first with Platonic philosophy and then with Aristotelian philosophy. Finally, we will look at the role religious belief played in the emergence of early modern science, and at the dialog between faith and science that has resulted.

MAJOR READINGS

Selections from the Bible, Plato, Aristotle, Tertullian, Origen, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Descartes, Pascal, Newton, Mackie, Russell and Plantinga. Secondary texts by Hadot and Klaaren.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Three graded assignments, either papers or take-home exams, over the course of the semester.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA PHIL    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

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