PHIL 331 Philosophy of Religion Study Notes

Course Information

  • Date: January 14

  • Course Code: PHIL 331 Philosophy of Religion

  • Instructor: Dr. Nevin Climenhaga

Poll Results

Poll 1: Belief in the Existence of God

  • Question: Do you think that God exists?

  • Responses:

    • (A) Yes (or probably): 70%

    • (B) No (or probably not): 18%

    • (C) Not sure: 12%

Poll 2: Religious Identity

  • Question: Do you consider yourself a Christian?

  • Responses:

    • Yes: 63%

    • No, some other religion: 7%

    • No, no religion: 17%

    • Not sure: 12%

Distinction Between Metaphysics and Epistemology

Metaphysics

  • Definition: A branch of philosophy that investigates the nature of reality.

  • Focus: What the world is like.

  • Key Concepts:

    • Propositions: Statements or claims that can be evaluated as true or false.

    • Questions: Examples of metaphysical questions include:

    • Is there a tree on the hill?

    • Is murder wrong?

Epistemology

  • Definition: The branch of philosophy concerned with knowledge, belief, and thought.

  • Focus: What we know or believe about what the world is like.

  • Key Concepts:

    • Beliefs: Evaluated as rational or irrational.

    • Questions: Examples of epistemological questions include:

    • Do we know that there is a tree on the hill?

    • Do we know that murder is wrong?

Deeper Analysis of Metaphysics and Epistemology

Metaphysical Claims

  • Objective Nature of Physics:

    • Propositions about physics (e.g., "force is equal to mass times acceleration") are considered true or false independently of our beliefs about them.

  • Subjective Nature of Morality:

    • Morality is seen as subjective, meaning we define Moral propositions as true or false based on our beliefs.

    • This claim is often regarded as more controversial than epistemological claims.

Epistemological Claims

  • Objective Nature of Physics:

    • Disputes about physics can be definitively settled.

    • It is widely accepted that epistemological claims about physical truths carry a strong consensus.

  • Subjective Nature of Morality:

    • Disputes concerning morality cannot be definitively settled.

    • The subjective nature of moral disputes leads to significant philosophical debate.

Classroom Activity

Discussion Domains

  • Consider the following three domains about which people have beliefs:

    1. Physics

    2. Morality

    3. Religion

  • Questions for Discussion:

    • Is this domain metasphysically objective?

    • Is this domain epistemologically objective?

    • Note: As discussions progress, the meaning of the terms may become less clear, which is acceptable.