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This series of eight lectures delivered by Dr T. J. Mawson at the University of Oxford in Hilary Term 2011, introduces the main philosophical arguments pertaining to the Western monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Each lecture has an associated hand-out (two for the first lecture).Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Western monotheistic religions • Essential and accidental properties of God • Ontological, cosmological, and design arguments • Religious experiences and miracles • Problem of evil • Faith and Pascal's WagerThis podcast, titled "Philosophy of Religion," consists of a series of eight lectures that delve into the philosophical aspects of Western monotheistic religions, specifically Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Dr. T. J. Mawson, the lecturer, provides a comprehensive examination of key philosophical debates and ideas central to understanding these faiths.
The series opens with a focus on the essential and accidental properties of God, exploring what attributes are necessarily inherent to God's nature versus those that might be contingent. Following this, the lectures systematically address various traditional arguments for and against the existence of God. These include classic philosophical approaches such as the ontological, cosmological, and design arguments, as well as the consideration of religious experiences and miracles as evidence for God's existence.
The podcast also critically engages with arguments challenging the existence of a deity, particularly through the lens of the problem of evil, which questions how a benevolent and omnipotent God could allow the existence of evil in the world. The series concludes with a discussion on faith, encapsulating philosophical debates surrounding belief and reason, alongside an exploration of Pascal's Wager, which posits a pragmatic approach to belief in God.
Accompanying each lecture are additional resources that may include lecture handouts, offering further elaboration and support for the topics discussed. This podcast serves as an introductory yet in-depth exploration of the philosophical questions that underpin theistic belief systems in Western religious thought. It is well-suited for listeners interested in the intellectual traditions of these religions and the enduring questions that have shaped religious philosophy.