Unit information: Atheism in 2020/21

Unit name	Atheism
Unit code	THRSM0107
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. David Leech
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	none
Co-requisites	none
School/department	Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit explores key issues in philosophy of religion through the lens of philosophical atheism, agnosticism and other non-theistic worldview positions including religious naturalism and Schellenberg’s ultimism. It examines some core philosophical issue as they arise within these positions including atheist appraisals of religious experience, meaning/non-futility, and the prospects for secular spirituality. Through an in-depth focus on atheistic approaches to a range of key topics in the philosophy of religion, it develops student skills in philosophical reading, writing and argumentation.

Aims:

To familiarise students with some central issues within philosophical atheism, agnosticism and other non-theistic worldview positions to a degree which is more specialised than what is possible within a general unit on philosophy of religion.

To develop students’ ability to form their own views and provide argumentative justification for their positions with respect to these issues

To develop skills in philosophical reading, writing and argumentation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Articulate a sophisticated understanding of some of the core philosophical issues within the topics discussed in the unit;
2. Assess some of the central contemporary literature on these issues;
3. Identify and present pertinent evidence to develop a cogent argument;
4. Demonstrate skills in research, philosophical writing and argumentation appropriate to level H/6.

Teaching Information

Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.

Assessment Information

One summative essay of ca. 5000 words Measures outcomes 1-7

Reading and References

Taylor, Charles A Secular Age. (Cambridge, Mass. ; London: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2007). BL2747.8 TAY

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 (ed.) Michael Martin (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007). Electronic Version

De Lubac, Henri The Drama of Atheist Humanism (London : Sheed & Ward, 1949). BT1210 LUB

Turner, Denys How to be an Atheist New Blackfriars, Volume 83, Issue 977-978, pages 317–335, July 2002. Serial BX3501.N4