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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):
➤ Introduction to Western monotheistic religions • Essential and accidental properties of God • Ontological, cosmological, and design arguments • Religious experiences and miracles • Problem of evil • Faith and Pascal's WagerThis podcast, titled "Philosophy of Religion," offers a comprehensive exploration of philosophical arguments related to Western monotheistic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The series, consisting of eight lectures delivered by Dr. T. J. Mawson at the University of Oxford in 2011, delves into fundamental and nuanced topics in the philosophy of religion. The episodes begin by examining the essential and accidental properties of God, indicating a focus on defining divine characteristics and distinguishing between those that are fundamental versus contingent.
The podcast progresses to explore classic arguments for the existence of God, including the ontological, cosmological, and design arguments. These discussions likely emphasize understanding and critically evaluating philosophical reasoning for God's existence, drawing from historical and contemporary perspectives. The series then extends to consider religious experiences and miracles as evidences or arguments for divinity, touching on topics that intersect personal experience and empirical claims.
Balanced with its arguments for God's existence, the podcast addresses counterarguments, notably the problem of evil. This discussion likely involves engaging with one of the most enduring objections to theistic belief, questioning how and whether the existence of evil can be reconciled with the notion of a benevolent deity.
Finally, the series concludes by examining themes of faith and Pascal's Wager, bringing pragmatic and existential considerations into the fold and discussing the rationality and implications of belief in God regardless of definitive proofs. Overall, this podcast covers an array of major philosophical debates and themes that illuminate the complexity and depth of religious philosophy within the context of Western monotheistic traditions.