The module will address issues and questions that occur at the ‘borderlands’ between Philosophy and Theology/Religion. As a core element in the ‘Global Philosophy of Religion pathway’, it will provide students with a critical global survey of different perspectives on the human predicament. Featuring contributions from a number of academic staff, the module will focus on: a) the meaning and goal of human life as described in a number of selected religious, cultural and philosophical traditions; and b) contemporary topics of value and meaning as understood in a number of selected religious or philosophical traditions. Taken together, the overall title - ‘paradigms of belief’- indicates the module’s intention to review the different structures, worldviews and systems that inform and direct human life and activity in its global variety.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the Module, students should be able to:
Demonstrate awareness of the variety of worldviews and systems (philosophical and religious) that have shaped understandings of the human predicament and the meaning and goal of human life.
Articulate and analyse some of the key differences between some of the main worldviews considered during the module.
Critically compare different religious and philosophical positions on the question of meaning and purpose.
Critically evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of the arguments and worldviews presented during the module.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment 1 x 1500 word critical response (30%) 1 x 3500 word essay (70%)
