| Unit name | Atheism |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS30050 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. David Leech |
| Open unit status | Open |
| Pre-requisites |
none |
| Co-requisites |
none |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Today atheism is a major option for interpreting the world. This unit explores key issues in philosophy of religion through the lens of the development of modern unbelief. It pays attention to the emergence of modern atheism as a rejection of forms of early modern philosophical theology, and examines contemporary religious claims that atheism merely rejects an idolatrous concept of God and therefore fails to undermine the justification of religious beliefs. It also examines contemporary atheist arguments proposed by atheist philosophers of religion, as well as some arguments of popular atheism (e.g., New Atheism). Topics addressed will include the relationship between morality and atheism, whether modern science supports atheism, atheism and meaning, atheism and the problem of evil, and atheist claims about the incoherence of God-talk.
On successful completion of this unit students will have (1) developed a thorough understanding of the historical development of modern philosophical atheism; (2) demonstrated an ability to articulate and criticise contemporary atheist positions in philosophy of religion and their theist and non-theist alternatives; (3) gained the ability to think critically about whether the historical development of atheism might have a bearing on the validity of some contemporary atheist critiques of religion; (4) demonstrated the ability to identify and evaluate pertinent evidence/data in order to illustrate/demonstrate a cogent argument. Additionally, as part of a level 6/H unit, students will be expected to (5) display high level skills in evaluating, analysing, synthesising and (where apt) critiquing images and ideas.
Seminars
One summative coursework essay of 3000 words (50%) and one unseen examination of two hours comprising 2 questions out of 6 (50%).
Buckley, Michael J. Denying and disclosing God :the ambiguous progress of modern atheism. New Haven, Conn.; London: Yale University Press, 2004. BL2747.3 BUC. The Cambridge companion to atheism. Edited by Michael Martin. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Electronic Version. Turner, Denys. How to be an atheist. New Blackfriars, Volume 83, Issue 977-978, pages 317335, July 2002. Serial BX3501.N4. Everitt, Nicholas. The non-existence of God. London: Routledge, 2004. BL2747.3 EVE. Westphal, Merold. Suspicion and faith : the religious uses of modern atheism. New York: Fordham University Press,1998. BR128.A8 WES.
