This unit explains the differences between the classical Christian position on God in comparison with alternatives (for example, the Hellenic concept of God of Plato and Aristotle). It then examines classical proofs for the existence of God in the history of Western philosophy, and considers various classical divine attributes, such as God's eternity and immutability. It also discusses various problems or issues in relation to the classical Christian conception of God, for example, the problem of evil, or the problem of divine foreknowledge.
Unit code: AP3210C
Unit status: Approved (Major revision)
Points: 18.0
Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3
Unit discipline: Philosophy
Proposing College: Catholic Theological College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Critically adumbrate a range of proofs of God’s existence. |
| 2. | Explain, contextualise and evaluate the critiques of arguments for the existence of God made, for example, in the medieval and the early modern periods. |
| 3. | Critically explain the important accounts of certain divine attributes; for example, God’s omniscience, freedom, eternity or simplicity. |
| 4. | Critically explain at least one problem for classical Christian theism; for example, the problem of evil, or the problem of divine foreknowledge. |
| 5. | Identify and critically appraise the characterisation of God implied or presupposed by the proofs for the existence of God presented in the unit. |
36 points of Philosophy at second level
Lectures, seminars, tutorials
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Variant 1 | ||||||||
| Report | Written report. This report will be released at the end of the teaching period of the semester as a Word file. It will be based on research exercise worksheets done during the semester, so that in doing the research exercises, students are also preparing the material for their reports. |
2000 | 50.0 | |||||
| Essay | 2500 word essay As an integrity check, the lecturer will meet online to discuss the contents of the essay with the student after the essay is marked. The timing of this short recorded interview (up to five minutes) will be arranged via email initiated by the lecturer. |
2500 | 50.0 | |||||
Variant 2 | ||||||||
| Written Examination | 2 hr examination. Hurdle/Compulsory Task. As a hurdle/compulsory assessment task, passing this assessment is a requirement to pass the unit. |
2000 | 50.0 | |||||
| Essay | 2500 word essay As an integrity check, the lecturer will meet online to discuss the contents of the essay with the student after the essay is marked. The timing of this short recorded interview (up to five minutes) will be arranged via email initiated by the lecturer. |
2500 | 50.0 | |||||
Variant 3 | ||||||||
| Portfolio | 2500 word-equivalent portfolio comprising responses to short answer questions, multiple choice (or other exercises of various sorts) and a written essay produced in class in weeks 10-11 (i.e. weeks 8 or 9 exclusive of semester break) assessing material covered in the unit. It will be specified in the unit guide given to students at start of semester and students will be advised in outline of contents of portfolio in the class before it occurs. Feedback on results will be selectively discussed in a class afterwards to ensure formative learning. |
2500 | 50.0 | |||||
| Written Examination | 2 hr examination. Hurdle/Compulsory Task. As a hurdle/compulsory assessment task, passing this assessment is a requirement to pass the unit. |
2000 | 50.0 | |||||
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 25 Jun, 2026
Unit record last updated: 2026-06-25 11:31:39 +1000