Module: Philosophy of Religion

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Philosophy of Religion
Module Code	PHE1020 (ITS: TP232)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module provides an introduction to the major themes in philosophy of religion. Firstly, the module explores the phenomenon of religious experience and its expression in symbolic forms. Secondly, it examines how the concept of ‘god’ is articulated in major world religions and in other sources. Secondly, the relationship between the concept of god and human reason will be explored. Thirdly, metaphysical arguments and epistemological problems that emerge with attempting to rationally prove the existence of god will be explored. Fourthly, the question of what evil is will be investigated in the context of belief systems advocating the existence of a god that is benevolent and powerful. Finally, contemporary discussions about the dialogue between science and religion will be addressed.

Learning Outcomes

1. demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a number of key theories and debates in the philosophical discourse on religion;
2. communicate a range of perspectives and arguments that are utilised in discussions about the phenomenon of religious experience, the concept of god, the relationship between faith and reason, the problem of evil, and science and religion;
3. critically analyse a variety of philosophical questions that emerge with the phenomenon of religion;
4. demonstrate through a written assignment an ability to communicate clearly and competently an area in the philosophy of religion within the context of a pluralist, multi-cultural Irish society;
5. develop and further their skills and self-confidence in the area of philosophical analysis, argumentation and methodology.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Directed learning	48	No Description
Independent Study	53	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20873	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Ian Leask	Module Teacher	Peter Larsen

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	n/a	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Concepts of God – Nature and Attributes

Relationship between Faith and Reason

Arguments for the Existence of God – e.g., Ontological, Teleological, Cosmological

Critique of 'Natural Theology'

Problem of Evil

Science & Religion

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Clack, Beverley and Pamela Sue Anderson: 2004, Feminist Philosophy of Religion: Critical Readings, Routledge,
Davies, Brian: 2000, Philosophy of Religion: A Guide and Anthology, Oxford UP,
Eshleman, Andrew (ed.): 2008, Readings in Philosophy of Religion: East Meets West, Blackwell,
Murray, Michael J.: 2008, An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion,
Zagzebski, Linda Trinkaus.: 2007, Philosophy of Religion: An Historical Introduction, Blackwell,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

e-journal: International Journal for Philosophy of Religion,