Overview

The module begins by clarifying the state of the analytic philosophy of religion at the turn of the 20th century, reflecting upon its inheritance of 19th century ‘modernity’. This will enable for a firm foundation as we delve into the many fascinating and sometimes challenging strands of 20th century philosophy of religion. We will explore a combination of well-known thinkers whose contribution to the development of the philosophy of religion has been noticed and praised, such as William James, Paul Tillich and Ludwig Wittgenstein , as well as lesser known thinkers who are, in actuality, significant for our understanding of the philosophy of religion, including Simone Weil, Martin Buber and Sophie Oluwole. With these thinkers, such concepts as the nature of God and the divine, religious language, the self and society, and the problem of evil will be explored.

The module begins by clarifying the state of the analytic philosophy of religion at the turn of the 20th century, reflecting upon its inheritance of 19th century ‘modernity’. This is the context from which, and into which, the selection of philosophers which we will explore worked. The module will demonstrate how diverse the philosophical discussion of religion had become by the turn of the century and its subsequent branching into many areas. As such, we shall explore key themes of God and the divine, with the likes of William James and Paul Tillich, religious language, with such thinkers as Ludwig Wittgenstein, the self and society, with regards to Martin Buber and Sophie Oluwole, and the problem of evil and religious perceptions of existence, with such thinkers as Simone Weil and John Hick. Doing so will demonstrate to students how vibrant the 20th century actually was for philosophy of religion and, indeed, how it has impacted on the field in the 21st century.

Assessment Strategy

Excellent A- to A*:

Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: - Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent. - Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study. - Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Very Good B- to B+:

Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: - Very good structure and logically developed arguments. - Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. - Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning. - Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Good C- to C +;

Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: - Good structure and logically developed arguments. - At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. - Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning. - Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Threshold: D- to D +:

Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: - Generally accurate but with omissions and errors. - Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning. - Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions. - Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

Learning Outcomes

• To analyse, research, and construct a sustained argument applicable to the content of this course, showing some degree of originality.

• To demonstrate knowledge of, understanding of, and an ability to critically evaluate the key concepts within the meta-philosophy of religion.

• To demonstrate knowledge of, understanding of, and an ability to critically evaluate the major developments that occurred within the philosophy of religion during the 20th century.