Description
Book SynopsisThis comprehensive and easy to use textbook is endorsed by OCR for use with the Philosophy of Religion unit of the OCR AS Religious Studies specification. KEY FEATURES Co-authored by experienced examiners, "Stretch and Challenge" material for advanced students, a timeline of philosophers, an appendix on revision notes. Each chapter includes; essential new vocabulary with definitions, extracts from primary texts, examination tips, discussion topics and practice exam questions, suggestions for further reading. Fundamental concepts covered include arguments for the existence of God, including the Ontological, Cosmological, Moral and Teleological Arguments, as well as challenges to faith from the Problem of Evil and other sources. Background material from Ancient Philosophy and the Judaeo-Christian tradition is explained, and there are specially developed sections on Boethius and the Divine Attributes and Modern Science, both new to the specification. A particular feature of this book is substantial "Stretch and Challenge" material throughout which allows students to develop further. This material is clearly highlighted as additional to the text.
Trade ReviewTitle mention in Dialogue.
"The book is a testament to the authors' enthusiasm both for Philosophy in general and for the Philosophy of Religion in particular. The task of introducing philosophical methods and concepts with clarity and coherence is not easy, and the authors embrace it enthusiastically. Their delight in their subject is manifest... and the fruits of their experience are apparent in the text." Paul Fitzpatrick, Open House, August/September 2009.
I cannot recommend [this] text highly enough... gives students the tools to become independent philosophers and if your students don't have copies they are a must! -- Philosophical Investigations
Table of ContentsIntroductory chapter on methodology; Timeline; 1. Ancient Greek Influences: Plato; 2. Ancient Greek Influences: Aristotle; 3. Judaeo Christian Influences: God as Creator; 4. Judaeo Christian Influences: God and Goodness; 5. Arguments for the Existence of God: The Ontological Argument; 6. Arguments for the Existence of God: Cosmological Argument 1; 7. Arguments for the Existence of God: Cosmological Argument 2 - Copleston -Russell Debate; 8. Arguments for the Existence of God: The Design Argument; 9. Arguments for the Existence of God: The Moral Argument; 10. Challenges to Belief: Evil: Augustinian Theodicy; 11. Challenges to Belief: Evil: Irenaean Theodicy; 12. Challenges to Belief: Religion and Science 1: The Darwinian Challenge; 13. Challenges to Belief: Religion and Science 2: Intelligent Design; Appendix: Revision notes; [Please note: each chapter structure follows precisely the new OCR course syllabus].
