Introduction to Philosophy of Religion

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Introduction to Philosophy of Religion

About the Course

An Introduction to Philosophy of Religion will cover such topics as the concept of God, miracles, religious experience, as well as theistic arguments such as the cosmological, design, and ontological arguments! This course provides a unique opportunity to cultivate critical thinking skills, encouraging students to examine philosophical ideas and arguments from diverse perspectives, including from an Islamic perspective. Join us in fostering a deeper understanding of the profound issues that shape our worldview. Whether you're new to philosophy or seeking to deepen your insights, this course promises to be an enlightening intellectual journey into the heart of the dialogue between philosophy and religious thought.

Course Team

Ustadh Jamie B. Turner

(Doctoral Researcher,Philosophy of Religion, University of Birmingham)

AT A GLANCE

10 Live Online Sessions

Duration: 3+ Months

Sundays, 3 PM - 4:30 PM (London, UK)



1.5 hrs per lecture (15 hrs)

Video Recordings Available

Mobile App

Live Q&A

Digital Certificate

Enrol Now

Starts on 30th June 2024

Course Fee

Pay in Full: ~~£89.99~~ £59.99

Pay in 4 Installments: £14.99

Registration Deadline

29th June 2024

Al Balagh Scholarship

AlBalagh Scholarship is available for learners who cannot afford the fee.

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Sessions

Module 1

1. Thinking Tools in Philosophy of Religion

● Logical Reasoning (deduction, induction, abduction).
● Logical fallacies/biases in PoR (mistakes when reasoning in philosophy of religion).
● Probabilistic reasoning (Bayes without the math!).

Module 2

2. The Nature of God

● What are the competing models of God? (definitions, outline).
● God in religious tradition (object of worship, source of meaning).
● God in philosophy (classical theism, neo-classical theism/theistic personalism).
● Divine simplicity (relations between divine essence and attributes).

Module 3

3. Philosophy and Religious Belief

● Problems with religious belief? (verificationism, falsificationism, scientism).
● Religious belief requires evidence (theistic evidentialism, the kalam tradition).
● Religious belief does not require evidence (reformed epistemology, the athari tradition).
● What counts as evidence for religious belief? (arguments vs. religious experience).

Module 4

4. Cosmological Arguments

● The Kalam Cosmological Argument (al-Kindi, al-Ghazali, Craig).
● The Contingency Argument (Ibn Sina, Leibniz, Rasmussen).
● The Argument from Motion (Ibn Rushd, Feser).

Module 5

5. Design Arguments

● The Paleyan Design Argument (Ibn Rushd, Paley).
● The Biological Information Argument (Meyer).
● The Fine-Tuning Argument (Collins, Goff).

Module 6

6. Ontological Arguments

● The Anselmian Ontological Argument (Anselm).
● The Cartesian Ontological Argument (al-Farabi, Descartes).
● The Modal Ontological Argument (Plantinga).

Module 7

7. Religious Experience

● William James’ Varieties (definition, examples including from the Islamic tradition).
● Religious experience as theistic evidence (argument from rel. exp.).
● Problems with religious experience (debunking arguments, psychological explanations).

Module 8

8. The Problem of Evil and Hiddenness

● The Logical Problem of Evil (Mackie, Plantinga).
● The Evidential Problem of Evil (Rowe, Swinburne, al-Ghazali, Ibn Taymiyya).
● The Argument from Divine Hiddenness (Schellenberg).
● Divine Hiddenness and Religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam).

Module 9

9. Miracles

● What are miracles? (definitions, examples).
● Miracles and sciences (miracles as unscientific?).
● Miracles and rationality (Hume vs. Earman).

Module 10

10. Religious Language

● Univocal God-talk (Ibn Hazm, Alston).
● Equivocal God-talk (Ibn Rushd, Maimonides).
● Analogical God-talk (Ibn Taymiyya, Aquinas).

Module 11

11. God and Morality

● The Moral Argument (Craig, Baggett).
● God and Moral Values (divine command theory, theistic intuitionism, Platonism).
● God and Moral Obligation (divine command theory, theistic intuitionism, Platonism).

Module 1 2

12. Life After Death

● Models of life after death (heaven/hell, reincarnation).
● Dualism and the afterlife (the mind-body question).
● Classic arguments for an afterlife (Plato, Augustine).
● Near-death experiences (empirical considerations, pros-cons).

Course Overview

As the famous contemporary philosopher, Alvin Plantinga, once put it: philosophy is just thinking hard about something. Philosophy of religion, then, is thinking hard about religion by considering fundamental questions that relate to religion and seeking to answer them with our thinking caps firmly on! This course intends to introduce students to the field of contemporary philosophy of religion, in an accessible, interactive, and engaging way.

The course Philosophy of religion will cover such topics as the concept of God, miracles, religious experience, as well as theistic arguments such as the cosmological, design, and ontological arguments! This course provides a unique opportunity to cultivate critical thinking skills, encouraging students to examine philosophical ideas and arguments from diverse perspectives.

The course Philosophy of religion is divided into 12 lectures which aim to cover the main topics of contemporary philosophy of religion as taught in higher educational institutions in the West. Yet, unlike the traditional topics which comprise those courses, this course brings Islamic thinkers, themes, and ideas into the conversation making it a more enriching, interesting, and broader philosophical exploration of philosophy of religion than its typically available at those institutes.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Identify and apply principles of logical reasoning (deduction, induction, abduction) in analysing philosophical arguments within the context of religion.
Recognize and critique logical fallacies and biases commonly encountered in philosophy of religion discussions.
Explain the concept of God as understood within religious traditions and philosophical systems, including classical theism and theistic personalism.
Evaluate differing viewpoints on whether religious belief requires evidential support or can be justified through other epistemological means.
Analyse and assess key arguments such as cosmological, design, and ontological arguments from historical and contemporary Islamic and Western philosophers.
Assess the role of religious experience as evidence for theism, considering objections and alternative explanations.
Evaluate philosophical challenges posed by the problems of evil, divine hiddenness, and the concept of miracles.
Differentiate between approaches to religious language, including univocal, equivocal, and analogical discourse about God.
Examine the relationship between God and morality, exploring different moral theories anchored in theism.
Investigate philosophical perspectives on life after death, including classical arguments and empirical considerations related to near-death experiences.

Learning Outcomes

Understanding Philosophical Tools: Students will gain proficiency in logical reasoning, identifying fallacies, and using probabilistic reasoning in the context of philosophy of religion.
Comprehending Theological Concepts: Students will grasp diverse models of God within religious traditions and philosophical perspectives, including classical theism, theistic personalism, and divine simplicity.
Critically Analysing Religious Belief: Students will evaluate the necessity of evidence in religious belief, exploring various approaches such as theistic evidentialism, reformed epistemology, and athari tradition.
Engaging with Classical Arguments: Students will analyse and critique cosmological, design, and ontological arguments from historical and contemporary Islamic and Western thinkers.
Evaluating Religious Experience: Students will examine religious experiences as a form of theistic evidence, considering challenges like debunking arguments and psychological explanations.
Addressing Theological Challenges: Students will assess philosophical problems such as the logical and evidential problems of evil, divine hiddenness, and the nature of miracles.
Exploring Religious Language: Students will differentiate between various approaches to religious language, including univocal, equivocal, and analogical God-talk.
Examining God's Role in Morality: Students will investigate arguments linking God with moral values and obligations, exploring divine command theory, theistic intuitionism, and Platonism.
Delving into Life After Death: Students will analyse different models of the afterlife, considering philosophical perspectives on dualism, near-death experiences, and arguments for life beyond death.

By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of key philosophical concepts, arguments, and ideas concerning religion. They will have developed the critical skills necessary to tackle pertinent philosophical problems related to religious belief and be better equipped to address them and find solutions to them for themselves.

Audience: The course is aimed at students who have an interest in philosophy, theology, religion, as well as those curious minds intrigued enough to simply wonder what kind of stuff philosophers talk about all day long! No prior knowledge of philosophy, theology, or religion is required.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Al Balagh courses recognised or accredited?

Al Balagh courses do not provide an externally accredited or recognised qualification. Our own expert team works at the course content. With over 40000+ learners, we are continuously growing and our vision is to make Al Balagh qualifications renowned worldwide through our expert team, without seeking formal accreditation or recognition from external institutional bodies.

How is this online course structured?

Our online course comprises live interactive online sessions, pre-recorded videos, online course material that include, presentations, reading material & online learning activities. Students may ask questions and get their doubts cleared from their respective lecturers, if any. Our dedicated academic support team will assist you as required.

When will I have access to the online course material?

Upon successful enrollment, you will get access to ILM Portal (our advanced online learning portal) within 24 hours. (login details and important contact information will be provided on your registered email address)

Will I get notification for live sessions?

You will be able to view all course wise live session details including joining links on your ILM Portal calendar.Weekly email reminders are also sent out on your registered email address. If you find any difficulty with the link/calendar please contact us immediately via Email: [email protected] or by Phone: +447946835578 . Our dedicated support team will ensure that your problem gets resolved at the earliest

Is it mandatory to attend live sessions?

Attending live sessions, while not mandatory for course progression, is strongly encouraged. Prominent scholars and educators highlight the unique value of live attendance, emphasizing its role in the authentic transfer of knowledge. Live participation fosters an interactive learning environment, allowing for real-time questions, discussions, and clarifications that are not as easily replicated through recorded materials. This live engagement is seen as essential for a deeper understanding and connection to the subject matter, echoing the tradition and Adab of scholarly learning.

I missed a live session. Can I get the video recordings?

If you miss a live session, don't worry! You can access the recorded sessions, presentations, and relevant materials on your course dashboard within 24-48 hours after the live class is delivered. Our admin team uploads the content promptly so you can catch up on what you missed and be well-prepared for the next live class. Simply log in to the ILM Student portal and find the materials under the respective course section if you miss a scheduled live lecture.

Can I download the video recordings on my device (Desktop/Laptop/Mobile/Tab)?

We understand that having constant access to educational content is important for our students. However, to maintain the integrity and security of our course materials, videos are not available for download directly from the Learning Management System (LMS). We ensure that our LMS is accessible at all times and from various devices, allowing you to study at your convenience, wherever you have internet access. If you have any concerns about accessing the materials or need assistance with the LMS, please do not hesitate to contact our support team for help.

I have doubts but I cannot attend the live session. Any other way to ask my questions?

For any doubts or discussions, join the dedicated Course WhatsApp Groups where you can engage with peers for question clarification and discussions. Course instructors may be part of these groups at their discretion. If you need to contact a specific instructor, please reach out to the Admin Team.

How do I interact with my classmates?

You can interact with your classmates on our WhatsApp Groups exclusive for the course students. To join the official WhatsApp group, log in to your course on https://ilm.albalaghacademy.org/ and access the "Join Official WhatsApp Group'' tab. Go to Start → Sessions → Welcome Aboard: Course Introduction → Join Official WhatsApp Group

Joining the group will allow you to connect with fellow course students for discussions and updates.

What is the process for reaching out to the instructor?

For inquiries about instructor contact information, please reach out to the course administrator directly. Instructor details will be shared only with their explicit consent. However, participants are encouraged to connect through group discussions.

( Please note, they often have demanding schedules and may not always be able to address individual queries. We encourage you to attend live sessions and utilize the Q&A period for questions. For queries post-lecture, feel free to contact our administrators, and we will do our best to assist. Responses from instructors will depend on their availability. Thank you for your understanding.)

When will the final exam be held?

The Final Exam will be held at the end of the course(approximately one month after the final live lecture of the course) and will be a Graded And Timed Exam.

How long will I have access to the online course(s)?

The duration of access to paid online courses varies depending on the program length:

Courses lasting 4/6 months (12/16 sessions): 1 year access
Courses lasting 9-12 months (24-30 sessions): 2 year access

Please note that these durations apply specifically to our paid courses.

I am facing trouble signing into the “ILM” Online Student portal. What should I do?

In case you find any trouble accessing your account, then please contact us immediately via email: [email protected] or by phone: +447946835578 . Our dedicated support team will ensure that your problem gets resolved at the earliest. The time taken to resolve issues depends on the team's availability and working hours. We guarantee prompt resolution of your queries. Please be aware that it typically takes around 24 hours to resolve any technical issues.

How can I apply for the Al Balagh Scholarship?

Al Balagh Academy values seekers of knowledge more than anything. Please visit here to apply for a scholarship. Our team will assess your application and respond in 2 - 3 working days.

What is the course grading policy?

Our course grading policy is designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding and mastery of the subject matter. To successfully pass, students are required to achieve a minimum grade of 40% across all courses. Here's how your performance will be evaluated:

Weekly Assessment Exams (60% of total points): Throughout the course, you will encounter approximately 5-6 online objective assessments aimed at testing your understanding and honing your skills. These weekly checkpoints are pivotal in tracking your progress and ensuring you're on the right path.
Course Final Exam (40% of total points): The culmination of your learning journey is marked by the course final exam. This decisive assessment evaluates your grasp of the entire course content.
Achieving a score of 40% or above is essential to pass the course. This balanced approach between regular assessments and a comprehensive final exam ensures that you not only retain information but also apply your knowledge effectively.

When do I receive the course certificate ?

Following successful course completion, you will be eligible to receive your digital certificate of achievement. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Completion of All Course Modules: Full engagement with all designated course materials, including readings, assignments, and assessments, is mandatory.

Attainment of the Minimum Passing Threshold: A minimum grade of 40% is required to qualify for the certificate of achievement.

Who do I contact if I still have doubts related to my courses ?

If you have questions or need assistance during your journey, our dedicated support team is here for you. Your success is our priority. Please be patient as our team works round the clock to provide support.

📞 Admissions Team( Payment, Scholarships, Enrollment, or information about New Courses):

Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: [Admissions WhatsApp Support]

🚀 Short-Term Course Support (Assessment, Course-related, or IT-Technical issues):

Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: [Course WhatsApp Support]

Concerned about Flexibility?

We provide a 100% Money Back Guarantee for the First 4 Weeks. Join us today for a secure and enriching experience in Islamic learning!
You can review our Refund policy HERE!

Is there a mobile app for accessing my courses ?

Maximize your learning flexibility with our newly updated mobile app! Enjoy seamless access to your courses anytime, anywhere. Click on the links below to download the app tailored to your device:

For Android users: Download from the Google Play Store

For iOS users: Download from the App Store

Dive into a world of convenient and accessible learning today!

Are Al Balagh courses recognised or accredited?

How is this online course structured?

When will I have access to the online course material?

Will I get notification for live sessions?

You will be able to view all course wise live session details including joining links on your ILM Portal calendar. Weekly email reminders are also sent out on your registered email address. If you find any difficulty with the link/calendar please contact us immediately via Email: [email protected] or by Phone: +447946835578 . Our dedicated support team will ensure that your problem gets resolved at the earliest

Is it mandatory to attend live sessions?

I missed a live session. Can I get the video recordings?

Can I download the video recordings on my device (Desktop/Laptop/Mobile/Tab)?

We understand that having constant access to educational content is important for our students. However, to maintain the integrity and security of our course materials, videos are not available for download directly from the Learning Management System (LMS). We ensure that our LMS is accessible at all times and from various devices, allowing you to study at your convenience, wherever you have internet access. If you have any concerns about accessing the materials or need assistance with the LMS, please do not hesitate to contact our support team for help.

I have doubts but I cannot attend the live session. Any other way to ask my questions?

How do I interact with my classmates?

Joining the group will allow you to connect with fellow course students for discussions and updates.

What is the process for reaching out to the instructor?

When will the final exam be held?

The Final Exam will be held at the end of the course (approximately one month after the final live lecture of the course) and will be a Graded And Timed Exam.

How long will I have access to the online course?

The duration of access to paid online courses varies depending on the program length:

Courses lasting 4/6 months (12/16 sessions): 1 year access
Courses lasting 9-12 months (24-30 sessions): 2 year access

Please note that these durations apply specifically to our paid courses.

I am facing trouble signing into the “ILM” Online Student portal. What should I do?

In case you find any trouble accessing your account, then please contact us immediately via email: [email protected] or by phone: +447946835578 . Our dedicated support team will ensure that your problem gets resolved at the earliest. The time taken to resolve issues depends on the team's availability and working hours. We guarantee prompt resolution of your queries. Please be aware that it typically takes around 24 hours to resolve any technical issues.

How can I apply for the Al Balagh Scholarship?

Al Balagh Academy values seekers of knowledge more than anything. Please visit here to apply for a scholarship. Our team will assess your application and respond in 2 - 3 working days.

What is the course grading policy?

Weekly Assessment Exams (60% of total points): Throughout the course, you will encounter approximately 5-6 online objective assessments aimed at testing your understanding and honing your skills. These weekly checkpoints are pivotal in tracking your progress and ensuring you're on the right path.
Course Final Exam (40% of total points): The culmination of your learning journey is marked by the course final exam. This decisive assessment evaluates your grasp of the entire course content.
Achieving a score of 40% or above is essential to pass the course. This balanced approach between regular assessments and a comprehensive final exam ensures that you not only retain information but also apply your knowledge effectively.

When do I receive the course certificate?

Following successful course completion, you will be eligible to receive your digital certificate of achievement. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Completion of All Course Modules: Full engagement with all designated course materials, including readings, assignments, and assessments, is mandatory.

Attainment of the Minimum Passing Threshold: A minimum grade of 40% is required to qualify for the certificate of achievement.

Who do I contact if I still have doubts related to my courses?

📞 Admissions Team( Payment, Scholarships, Enrollment, or information about New Courses):

Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: [Admissions WhatsApp Support]

🚀 Short-Term Course Support (Assessment, Course-related, or IT-Technical issues):

Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: [Course WhatsApp Support]

Concerned about Flexibility?

We provide a 100% Money Back Guarantee for the First 4 Weeks. Join us today for a secure and enriching experience in Islamic learning!
You can review our Refund policy HERE!

Is there a mobile app for accessing my courses?

Maximize your learning flexibility with our newly updated mobile app! Enjoy seamless access to your courses anytime, anywhere. Click on the links below to download the app tailored to your device:

Introduction to Philosophy of Religion