Philosophy of God (AP9210C)

Content

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.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

One foundational unit of philosophy

Pedagogy

Lectures, seminars, tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

• Craig, William Lane, and Kevin Meeker. Philosophy of Religion: A Reader and Guide. Edinburgh University Press, 2019.
• Dodds, Michael J. The One Creator God in Thomas Aquinas & Contemporary Theology. The Catholic University of America Press, 2020.
• Davies, Brian, ed. Philosophy of Religion: A Guide to the Subject. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2020.
• Jacobs, James M. Seat of Wisdom: An Introduction to Philosophy in the Catholic Tradition. The Catholic University of America Press, 2022.
• Law, Stephen, ed. Religious Epistemology. Cambridge University Press, 2017.
• Knasas, John F. X. Aquinas and the Cry of Rachel: Thomistic Reflections on the Problem of Evil. The Catholic University of America Press, 2013.
• Manson, Neil A. This Is Philosophy of Religion: An Introduction. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2021.
• McCabe, Herbert, Brian Davies, and Terry Eagleton. God and Evil in the Theology of St Thomas Aquinas. Continuum, 2010.
• Murray, Michael, and Michael C. Rea. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion. Cambridge Introductions to Philosophy. Cambridge University Press, 2008.
• Wippel, John F. Summa Metaphysicae Ad Mentem Sancti Thomae : Essays in Honor of John F. Wippel. Edited by Therese Scarpelli Cory and Gregory T. Doolan. The Catholic University of America Press, 2024.

Assessment