Course Description

Some thinkers have offered convincing arguments for the conclusion that God exists, while others have offered convincing arguments for the conclusion that he is merely a comforting (or discomforting) fiction.  In the first part of the course, we will examine instances of both sorts of argument.  Next, we will consider what attributes we can reasonably maintain of God.  Finally, we will ask whether being religious makes any important difference to a human being’s life.  In the course of that discussion, we will also explore the nature of the human person.

Required Work: Two papers, a midterm, a final, and (if needed) quizzes or short homework assignments.

Texts: Readings will include selections from the following: Robert Adams, Augustine, Aquinas, Graham Greene, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche.