This course explores key themes in the philosophy of science and the philosophy of religion. The first part examines different understandings of truth, scientific methods, and the historical relationship between science and theology. Students will engage with foundational issues in hermeneutics, logic and the philosophy of science.
The second part focuses on major topics in the philosophy of religion, including classical theism, secularization, and critiques of religion. Discussions will also address the role of language in religious thought and key moral-philosophical questions.
By the end of the course, students will develop a deeper understanding of these complex fields and strengthen their ability to think critically about the intersections of theology, science, and philosophy.
The teaching is organized with online lessons that usually contain reading guides for the course literature, instructional texts for the online lessons, as well as audio or video lectures.
Kunnskap
Etter gjennomført emne skal studenten ha:
- knowledge of different understandings of theology as an academic discipline.
- knowledge of the main points of the development of the philosophy of science up to and during modern times.
- knowledge of central topics within philosophy of science, logic and hermeneutics.
- knowledge of central themes within the philosophy of religion, including views on humanity, experience, and language theory.
- knowledge of central themes related to classical theism.
Ferdigheter
Etter gjennomført emne skal studenten kunne:
- explain and discuss theology as science.
- develop the ability to independent and critical thinking.
- discuss relevant professional and ethical issues.
Generell kompetanse
Etter gjennomført emne skal studenten kunne:
- use their knowledge to reflect on the relationship between faith and reason and present their view.
Exam and Assessment
All course requirements and exams are individual and are submitted digitally.
Course Requirements:
- An oral presentation discussing a given topic.
- A reflection paper discussing the relevance of a given topic for Christian ministry/theology (750 words).
Deadline for submission is given at the start of the semester but notice that the requirements must be completed not later than two weeks before the exam date.
Final Assessment:
Form of assessment | Duration | Grading scale |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Written exam | 5 hours | A-F |
|
Final assessment is based on the written exam. The course and the exam will be graded A-E for pass and F for fail.
Some readings are available digitally on the school’s learning management system (LMS) and are marked with *.
Philosophy of Science:
Alfsvåg, K. (202). Divine Presence: An Introduction to Christian Theology. Wipf & Stock. 150 pages.
Dickson, T. (2022). Logic and the Way of Jesus: Thinking Critically and Christianly. B&H Academic, pp. 31-52; 101-154; 199-218; 251-286.
Gadamer, H. G. (2006). Truth and Method. Continuum, selection of approx. 50 pages.
Kuhn, T. S. (2012): Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press, selection of approx. 20 pages.
Okasha, S. (2016). Philosophy of Science: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, pp. 1-130.
Zimmermann, J. (2015). Hermeneutics: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, pp. 1-130.
Philosophy of Religion:
Peterson, M.; Hasker, W.; Reichenbach, B.; and Basinger, D. (2013). Reason and Religious Belief. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion. 5. ed. Oxford University Press (selection of 200 pages).
A selection of additional source texts (approx. 70 pages).
