6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
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Notes
- The unit may be offered as part of the Summer Arts ProgramSummer Arts Program (http://www.monash.edu/students/courses/arts/summer-program.html).
- The unit is offered as part of the Philosophy Flexible Learning programPhilosophy Flexible Learning program (https://arts.monash.edu/philosophical-historical-international-studies/philosophy/philosophy-flexible-learning).
Synopsis
Are there successful arguments for or against the existence of God? We start by examining what it takes for an argument to be successful. We then examine some of the best known arguments for the existence of God--Anselm's ontological argument, Aquinas' second way, Paley's argument for design, Pascal's wager--and some of the best known arguments against the existence of God--Mackie's and Rowe's arguments from evil--and try to determine whether or not they succeed.
Outcomes
On successfully completing the unit, students will have:
- been introduced to an analytic philosophical approach to philosophy of religion;
- become familiar with key arguments for and against existence of God;
- thought about how to assess arguments in a context in which there are competing theistic and naturalistic worldviews.
Students will also have been exposed to some central philosophical texts, and to arguments that have been influential for many hundreds of years.
Assessment
Within semester assessment: 60% + Exam: 40%
Workload requirements
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
See also Unit timetable information
Off-campus attendance requirements
Off-campus: no timetabled contact hours