161-108 Reason, Religion and Responsibility

Formerly available as 161-006. Students who have completed 161-006 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This subject explores three major and interconnected philosophical issues: (1) The existence of God. Are there good reasons for believing, or for not believing, in God? But should religious belief be seen as a matter not for reason, but for faith, and what does this mean? (2) The meaning of life. Must there be one? Only one? Does it depend on belief in God and/or an afterlife, or on our having values of some kind, and if so what kind and with what basis? (3) The freedom of the will. Is the course of our lives totally determined, if not by divine planning, then by other causes beyond our control, such as factors in our heredity and upbringing? If so, is our important belief that we have genuine freedom and responsibility for our actions a mere illusion?

• be able to recognise philosophically important similarities and differences between views and issues arising in different texts and contexts;

• be able to apply the analytical skills developed in this subject to other philosophical and non-philosophical studies;

• be able to apply the critical skills developed in this subject to other philosophical and non-philosophical studies.

A written assignment of 500 words 10% (due early in the semester), a written assignment of 1500 words 40% (due mid semester), a 2-hour written examination (not open-book) 47% (due at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 3%.

A subject reader will be available.