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 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 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.
The final assessment of this course is based on the completion of two Study Requirements. They are individual and papers are submitted digitally.
Study Requirements as assessment form:
- Attend the gathering on campus.
- A paper discussing a given topic (1000 words).
- A reflection paper discussing the relevance of a given topic for Christian ministry/theology (750 words).
Final Assessment:
Form of assessment
Duration Grading scale
Home Exam 3 days A-F
Final assessment is based on the completion of the study requirements. The course will be graded A-E for pass or F for fail.
Some readings are available digitally on the school’s learning management system (LMS) and are marked with *.
Philosophy of Science:
Bayer, O. (2007). Theology the Lutheran Way. Wm. B. Eerdmans, pp. 16-138.
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.
Priest, G. (2017). Logic: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, pp. 1-120.
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).
