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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 monotheism • God's properties • Ontological arguments • Cosmological arguments • Design argument • Religious experience • Miracles • Problem of evil • Faith • Pascal's WagerThis podcast, titled "Philosophy of Religion," is a series of eight lectures delivered by Dr. T. J. Mawson at the University of Oxford. It focuses on the main philosophical arguments associated with Western monotheistic religions, specifically Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The series seeks to explore foundational concepts in the philosophy of religion by delving into the essential and accidental properties of God. It covers a variety of arguments both for and against the existence of God, providing a comprehensive examination of traditional and contemporary debates within the field.
The lecture series begins with an exploration of the essential properties of God, which lays the groundwork for understanding the nature of divinity in monotheistic religions. Continuing on this theme, the series addresses the concept of accidental properties, distinguishing between attributes intrinsic to the divine nature and those that are not. The podcast also tackles various classical arguments for God's existence, such as the ontological, cosmological, and design arguments. These discussions provide listeners with an understanding of the traditional philosophical justification for belief in God.
The series further examines the roles of religious experiences and miracles as potential evidence for divine existence, adding depth to the conversation about personal and transcendent experiences in religion. Conversely, the lectures also engage with arguments against God's existence, most notably the problem of evil, which challenges the idea of a benevolent deity in the face of worldly suffering. Finally, the series concludes with a discussion on faith and Pascal's Wager, presenting a pragmatic approach to belief in God. Overall, this podcast offers a rich exploration of philosophical debates surrounding core aspects of Western religious thought.