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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):
➤ Western monotheistic religions • Essential properties of God • Accidental properties of God • Arguments for God's existence • Ontological, cosmological, design arguments • Religious experience, miracles • Problem of evil • Faith, Pascal's WagerThis podcast, titled "Philosophy of Religion," consists of a series of lectures delivered by Dr. T. J. Mawson at the University of Oxford in Hilary Term 2011. Comprising eight lectures, the podcast explores key philosophical arguments central to Western monotheistic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The series begins by examining the essential properties of God, a subject that spans the first two lectures. This foundational topic serves to establish a framework for understanding how these religions conceptualize God. Following this, the lectures delve into the accidental properties of God, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of both inherent and incidental attributes attributed to the divine.
The podcast further investigates various philosophical arguments for the existence of God. It covers the ontological and cosmological arguments, which are classical approaches taken by philosophers to prove or understand God's existence. The series continues with the design argument, offering insights into teleological perspectives that suggest a purposive divine influence in the structure and order of the universe. In addition to these logical and empirical discussions, the lectures explore the relevance of religious experiences and miracles, presenting them as experiential evidences for God's existence.
The series also addresses counterarguments, specifically focusing on the problem of evil, which has long been a major philosophical challenge to theistic belief systems. Finally, the podcast examines the role of faith in religious belief through the lens of Pascal's Wager, a pragmatic argument suggesting that belief in God is a beneficial choice with potential gains and minimal losses. Overall, this podcast provides a structured and philosophical exploration of central themes and arguments in the philosophy of religion, offering listeners insights into the complex interplay between reason, belief, and divine attributes.