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| Unit name |
Philosophical Approaches to Religious Experience and Mysticism |
| Unit code |
THRS20218 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
I/5
|
| 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
In this unit students will examine some of the core literature on the philosophical discussion of religious experience and mysticism from James’ The Varieties of Religious Experience to the present. We will critically discuss the key philosophical issues which arise in connection with these discussions, including whether such experiences might best be regarded as veridical or illusory, the perennialist (‘common core’) versus constructivist debate, and naturalistic interpretations of religious experience. We will also examine some prominent recent philosophical defences of the argument from religious experience, including Alston’s ‘doxastic practices’ defence and Swinburne’s appeal to the principle of credulity. Students will practise their oral presentation skills by giving a 10-minute individual or 15-minute group presentation.
Aims:
- To familiarise students with some of the central literature on and concepts in the philosophical discussion of religious experience and mysticism;
- To provide an overview of the major types of religious/mystical experience;
- To develop students’ ability to offer their own assessment of the key philosophical issues to which these discussions give rise;
- To develop skills in philosophical reading, writing and argumentation.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of some of the core literature on the philosophical discussion of religious experience and mysticism from James’ The Varieties of Religious Experience to the present
- Critically discuss and evaluate key philosophical issues which arise in connection with these discussions and the debates to which they gave rise
- Construct articulate, concise and persuasive philosophical arguments in written essays
- Demonstrate skills in the research, reading and presentation (orally and in writing) of complex materials on these discussions, appropriate to level 1/5
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
1 x 2000 words portfolio (formative) [ILOs 1-4]
1 x 2500-word summative essay (100%) [ILOs 1-4]
Reading and References
- Alston, William 1991, Perceiving God, The Epistemology of Religious Experience, Ithaca: Cornell University Press. (BL51 ALS)
- Katz, Steven T., ed., Mysticism and Philosophical Analysis, New York: Oxford University Press, 1978. (BL625 MYS )
- Gellman, Jerome, 2001, Mystical Experience of God: A Philosophical Enquiry, Aldershot: Ashgate. (BL625 GEL)
- Swinburne, Richard, 1991, The Existence of God, Revised Edition, Oxford: Clarendon Press. [online access]
- Wainwright, William J., 1981, Mysticism, A Study of its Nature, Cognitive Value, and Moral Implications, Madison: University of Wisconsin Press. (BL625 WAI)
