Philosophy of Religion: Examination of Religious Experience

A set of vocabulary flashcards derived from the lecture notes, summarizing key concepts in the philosophy of religion regarding religious experiences and arguments for the existence of God.

Psychological Deception

The process where reality is distorted by wishful thinking, leading individuals to convince themselves of certain beliefs.

Mystical Experiences

Experiences that may be induced by artificial means such as drugs, fasting, or meditation and are often interpreted as religious.

Theist Argument

A common argument by theists that uses personal religious experiences as proof of God's existence.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

The phenomenon where believing in an experience or outcome leads to behaviors that cause the assumption to come true.

David Hume's No Miracles Argument

Hume’s argument stating that in instances of purported miracles, it is equally or more plausible that an unknown natural principle is at work rather than an actual miracle.

Eyewitness Reliability

The concept that human testimony may be unreliable and loosely tied to actual events, challenging the authenticity of miraculous claims.

Concise Arguments in Philosophy

Arguments that are brief and focused, commonly used to discuss the existence of God and related philosophical problems.

Rational Justification

The process of providing logical reasoning and evidence to support beliefs, particularly regarding the existence of God.

Unit Summary

An overview of the discussions and topics covered in a unit, focusing on the central problems of the philosophy of religion.

Principles of Physics and Chemistry

Scientific principles that can often explain phenomena previously deemed miraculous, suggesting a naturalistic interpretation.