Our Religion and Philosophy course invites you to explore the profound connection between belief systems and ethical theories. Delve into the intellectual discourse surrounding the search for meaning, truth, and purpose across different cultures and traditions. Through critical thinking and analysis, you’ll engage with key philosophical texts, religious teachings, and contemporary debates. This course encourages open-minded exploration and reflection, fostering a deeper understanding of how religion and philosophy shape our worldview. Ideal for those seeking to expand their knowledge and engage in thoughtful discussions, this course offers a transformative experience for learners of all backgrounds.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• Milbank, J., 2021. Religion and the Limits of Reason. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Smart, N., 2020. The Philosophy of Religion: A Short Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Graeber, D. and Wengrow, D., 2021. The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Smith, E.E., 2017. The Power of Meaning: The Arts and the Search for a Meaningful Life. Crown Publishing Group.
• Grayling, A.C., 2013. The God Argument: The Case Against Religion and for Humanism. OneWorld Publications.
• Lamont, C., 2020. The Philosophy of Humanism. Prometheus Books.
• Cox, G., 2020. How to Be an Existentialist: Or How to Get Real, Get a Grip, and Stop Making Excuses. Continuum.
• Gould, S.J., 2021. The Book of Life: An Illustrated History of the Evolution of Life on Earth. Pantheon Books.
• Orsi, R.A., ed., 2021. The Cambridge Companion to Religious Studies. Cambridge University Press.
• Harari, Y.N., 2021. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. HarperCollins.

COURSE OUTLINE

• Introduction to Religion and Philosophy - Overview of fundamental concepts in religion and philosophy; Exploring the relationship between belief systems and philosophical thought
• Philosophical Foundations of Religion - Key arguments for and against the existence of God; Understanding faith, reason, and revelation in religious philosophy
• Ethics and Morality - Comparative ethics across world religions; Philosophical perspectives on morality (e.g., utilitarianism, deontology)
• Existentialism and the Search for Meaning - Existential philosophy and its exploration of life's meaning; Religious approaches to existential questions
• Eastern Philosophies and Religions - Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and their philosophical principles; Concepts like karma, enlightenment, and the nature of self
• Western Philosophical Thought and Religion - Influence of Greek philosophy on religious thought; Christianity, Judaism, and Islam in shaping Western philosophy
• Modern Debates in Religion and Philosophy - The rise of secularism and humanism; Religion’s role in contemporary ethical and social issues
• Religion, Philosophy, and the Future - Interaction between science, technology, and religion; Future perspectives on religious philosophy in a globalised world

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Critically Analyse Key Philosophical and Religious Concepts
2. Understand the Relationship Between Religion and Philosophy
3. Apply Ethical Frameworks to Contemporary Issues
4. Engage with Existential Questions and Their Religious Implications
5. Evaluate Modern Debates in Religion and Philosophy