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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 experience • Miracles • Problem of evil • Faith • Pascal's wagerThis podcast, titled "Philosophy of Religion," features a series of lectures by Dr. T. J. Mawson from the University of Oxford, given during the Hilary Term of 2011. It focuses on the philosophical exploration of Western monotheistic religions, specifically Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The lectures aim to introduce listeners to primary philosophical arguments related to the nature and existence of God within these religious traditions.
The lecture series embarks on a journey beginning with an examination of the essential and accidental properties of God, presenting fundamental questions and insights about divine attributes. Through these discussions, the podcast explores how these characteristics have been understood and debated across different religious philosophies.
A significant portion of the series is dedicated to various arguments for and against the existence of God. Listeners will encounter in-depth presentations on classical philosophical arguments such as the Ontological, Cosmological, and Design Arguments. These discussions aim to unravel the rational underpinnings that have historically been proposed to support the belief in a deity.
In addition, the podcast addresses the topics of religious experience and miracles, examining how these phenomena have been perceived as evidence of the divine. The series also includes a reflective examination of the Problem of Evil, presenting arguments that challenge the existence of God by highlighting the coexistence of pervasive suffering and a benevolent deity.
The final part of the series delves into issues of faith and the pragmatic reasoning encapsulated in Pascal's Wager, parsing out the implications of belief and decision-making in religious contexts. Through its methodical exploration of these themes, the podcast provides listeners with a comprehensive introduction to the philosophical dimensions of theistic belief.