Philosophy of Religion & Ethics
| Chair | Scott B. Rae, Ph.D. |
| Distinguished Professor | Moreland |
| Professors | DeWeese, Geivett, Rae |
| Associate Professors | Horner |
| Research Professor | Craig |
Objectives
The Christian leader often deals with problems that are related to contemporary trends in philosophical and scientific thought. For this reason, a knowledge of the intellectual heritage of the western world and the apologetic techniques and postures that are of most value is needed.
Courses numbered: 523, 544, 547, 566, 624, 667, 684 and 685 are open to MA Philosophy students only.
TTPH 523 - Metaphysics I (3)
A topical study of the nature and methodology of metaphysics with emphasis on the nature and ultimate categories of being as well as specific areas (e.g. causation, space and time, the soul, freedom and determinism, personal identity, and essentialism). Special emphasis will be placed on integrating metaphysics with the construction and defense of a Christian worldview. M.A. Philosophy students only.
TTPH 524 - Metaphysics II (3)
A topical study of important selected themes and persons in the field of metaphysics. Emphasis will be placed on current tensions between Christian theism and various metaphysical positions and on key past and present figures in metaphysics. Elective.
TTPH 544 - Epistemology I (3)
A topical study in the definition of knowledge and justified belief, problems in skepticism, the nature of epistemic justification and the nature of truth. Application will be made to special epistemological issues in religion, e.g., religious experience, miracles, inerrancy, burden of proof issues. M.A. Philosophy students only.
TTPH 545 - Epistemology II (3)
A conceptual analysis and philosophical evaluation of important contemporary issues in epistemology. Special emphasis will be placed on the role that key current and past figures have played in formulating these issues. An application of epistemological themes will be made to the concerns of religious epistemology. Elective.
TTPH 547 - The Theology and Philosophy of Science (3)
A study of various issues that arise in the integration of science and orthodox Christian theology (e.g. models of integration, the scientific status of creationism, the creation / evolution debate) as well as an investigation of selected topics in philosophy of science relevant to a Christian worldview (e.g., the realist / antirealist debate, the nature, formation, use, and confirmation of scientific laws and theories, scientism and the limits of science). M.A. Philosophy students only.
TTPH 566 - History and Normative Systems of Ethics (3)
A survey and evaluation of various ethicists and their systems from within a Christian framework. Emphasis will be placed on Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, the utilitarians and Kant, and a study of various issues in metaethics and normative ethics, as well as an investigation of ethical decision-making and case studies. M.A. Philosophy students only.
TTPH 602 - Apologetics (3)
An examination of the Christian world view and the various Christian apologetic responses in relation to the areas of history, science, and philosophy. Required for M.Div. and M.A. (T.H.) students. Elective for M.A.Ph. students.
TTPH 624 - Seminar in Ethical Issues I (3)
A study of various topics currently being debated in ethics, e.g., abortion, euthanasia, genetic engineering, infanticide, surrogate motherhood, business ethics, environmental issues, etc. M.A. Philosophy students only.
TTPH 625 - Seminar in Ethical Issues II (3)
An in-depth study of one specific issue currently being debated in business, medical and/or social ethics. Elective.
TTPH 667 - Seminar in Philosophical Anthropology and Philosophy of the Mind (3)
A study and defense of the existence and nature of the soul, the reality of disembodied existence, the nature of human action, and issues in personal identity. Various models of human nature will be investigated (dualism, behaviorism, functionalism, the identity thesis, eliminative materialism), as well as their implications for ethics. M.A. Philosophy students only.
TTPH 669 - Seminar in Historical Apologetics (3)
A study of the historicity of the Scriptures with special emphasis on miracles, the New Testament, and the resurrection of Jesus. Elective.
TTPH 684 - Seminar in Philosophy of Religion (3)
An investigation of the arguments for and against the existence of God, faith and reason, the use of religious language, and the philosophical clarification and defense of the attributes of the God of Scripture. M.A. Philosophy students only.
TTPH 685 - Seminar in Philosophical Theology (3)
A philosophical analysis of important doctrines of the Christian faith, e.g., freedom and determinism, the incarnation and the coherence of theism. Special emphasis will be placed on the concept of the attributes of God, on philosophical prolegomena to the practice of theology, and on religious pluralism. M.A. Philosophy students only.
TTPH 726 - Cults of America (3)
The distinctive features of the cults of America with their significance in the development of religious thought and with particular reference to their treatment of the central features of orthodox Christian doctrine. Elective.
TTPH 730 - Directed Study (1-4)
Reading and research in selected areas of philosophy of religion and ethics. Elective.
TTPH 735 - Seminar (1-3)
Selected topics in the fields of philosophy, apologetics and ethics. May be repeated with different content. Elective.
TTPH 835 - Advanced Seminar (1-3)
Supervised research of selected topics within the fields of philosophy, apologetics, and ethics. May be repeated with different content. Elective for Th.M. students.
TTPH 880 - Directed Research (1-3)
Supervised research in selected areas of philosophy of religion. Elective for Th.M. students.