Philosophy Department

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Ateneo De Naga University

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Code : PHIN103

Course Title : Philosophy of Religion
Credit/No. of Units : 3

RATIONALE

This course aims at providing students with a deeper knowledge of what religious
experience is as such and in relation to their lives. Through a phenomenological
investigation of the various aspects of religion and religious experience, it seeks to
enhance the students philosophical capacity for reflection as a way of seeking answers
to the deep questions surrounding the human person herself in her journey towards
authenticity. It offers a deeper and more holistic dialogue on the dimensions and
dynamics of faith and belief not just within the context of religious structure but also in
connection to social and political issues. The focus of providing learning activities that
promote the development of critical believers and seekers of truth allows for the
appreciation of the necessity for value judgements regarding religious experience as
related to conscious decision making.

Course Description:
The course is a philosophical (phenomenological, hermeneutical, and
metaphysical) exploration of religious experience; it is not about institutional religion. It is
not a discipline within a religion but a discipline which studies religion from a vantage
point beyond. Situated between critique and conviction, it investigates the dynamics
between fides et ratio (faith and reason). It is a critical examination of basic religious
beliefs and concepts. It critically examines: the concept of God, concept of faith, the idea
of omnipotence, the existence of evil as somehow consistent with Gods love for his
creatures and the belief that there is life after death. The course is divided into four main
parts: it begins with the philosophical question, what is religion? and its relation to the
special character of religious experience and ways to approach and understand it. Then
it focuses on the im/possibility of knowing, naming, and contemplating God by giving the
rational proofs of the existence of God and reflecting on the different concepts suggested
by these proofs as founded in human rationality, human morality, and human desire. It
will be followed by a direct challenge to the existence of God through the atheistic
arguments and the reality of suffering (problem of evil); how it can be reconciled with a
human life that tries to live its authentic fulfillment in God. The course ends with the
metaphysics of hope; focusing on a personal understanding of ones place in the world
as he/she contemplates on the hereafter.

Expected (Program) Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the term, the students are expected to:

KNOWLEDGE:
1. Identify basic concepts in philosophy of religion
2. Recognize the criticisms of atheism and the arguments from evil.
 3. State the major arguments for the existence of God
4. Ascertain and gather insights regarding the dynamic relationship between faith and
reason
5. Philosophically identify and critique religious nuances within socio-political
contexts
6. Gather substantial insight on philosophical theories surrounding the notion of the
afterlife

SKILL:
1. Criticize some of the central philosophical debates concerning religion.
2. Evaluate the reasoning of both theism and atheism in the debate for reasonable
belief in the existence of God.
3. Write well-argued critique and reflection papers.
4. Be proficient in oral examinations.
5. Make sound moral and ethical judgments within the context of spiritual
discernment

VALUES:
1. Appreciate mans transcendence as essentially a dimension of human
personhood.
2. Be committed in building a more humane and just society.
3. Empowered to be critical believers both of their own and of the faith of others.
4. Cultivate faith and love of God.