Philosophy of Religion

Summary:
This book provides an accessible, readable, student-centred guide to Philosophy of Religion. Through lucid explanation, careful use of modern examples and engaging activities it leads students towards deeper understanding of all the key issues in the study of Philosophy of Religion.



Key features include:

- a clear overview of the key ideas and the key individuals which have influenced thinking about religion

- key quotes from the significant texts, and interesting examples of philosophical debate in film and literature e.g. Woody Allen

- imaginateve tasks and activities to stimulate thought and explore the key ideas in an engaging and motivating way

- a critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of particular philosophers' viewpoints

- end-of-chapter key point summaries covering what readers need to know to answer exam questions on the philosophy of religion

- an extensive glossary of key words and ideas

- thorough referencing to enable students to follow up key ideas and quotes in independent study

• Intriguing and relevant tasks and activities
• Quotes from the key texts
• End of unit key point summaries
• Accessible explanation of key ideas
• Thorough coverage of the requirements for AQA AS Philosophy and AS/A2 Philosophy of Religion courses

Table of Contents:
1. GOD AND PHILOSOPHY
Introduction
Philosophy and religious belief
Investigating the nature of God
How this book matches AS/A2 Level Exam specifications
What you need to know about the philosophical perspective of God
2. ARGUMENTS FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
Introduction
Ontological arguments
Cosmological arguments
Teleological arguments
Arguments from religious experience
What you need to know about arguments for the existence of God
3. THE CHALLENGES TO BELIEVING IN GOD
The challenge to God
The challenge of miracles
The challenge of evil
The challenges of morality
What you need to know about the challenges to believing in God
4. FAITH AND BELIEF IN GOD
Faith, evidence and reason
Faith as the acceptance of revealed truths: Aquinas
Faith as a basic belief: Plantinga
Faith as an act of will: Pascal, James and Tennant
Faith as an attitude
What you need to know about faith and belief in God
5. TALKING ABOUT GOD
Introduction
Verificationism and falsificationism
Wittgenstein's theory of meaning
Religious Language as myth, symbol and analogy
What you need to know about religious language
GLOSSARY
ENDNOTES

About the Author(s):
The authors have been widely involved in introducing new learning methods into the field of A Level Philosophy. They have pioneered the use of games and simulations to sharpen philosophical understanding and critical thinking skills.

Gerald Jones is Head of Humanities at the Mary Ward Centre, London.

Daniel Cardinal is Head of Philosophy at Orpington College and teaches Philosophy at the Birkbeck Faculty of Continuing Education.

Jeremy Hayward is a lecturer at the University of London Institute of Education.

Readership:
AS Level Philosophy and Religious Studiees studies in schools and colleges

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