Philosophy of Religion
Code
711031069
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas
Department
Filosofia
Credits
6
Teacher in charge
Nuno Carlos Venturinha
Weekly hours
4
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
a) Develop a critical understanding of the religious and philosophical traditions which are central in the contemporary world.
b) Develop skills of critical thinking in order to evaluate arguments and views.
c) Develop the capacity to relate present events to philosophical and religious systems.
d) Develop the capacity to apply perspectives from different religious and cultural groups to critical analysis.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Subject matter
Epistemology of Religious Belief
Wittgensteins thought is usually associated with logic and philosophy of language and mind. However, there are many places in his writings where Wittgenstein discusses issues belonging to the philosophy of religion and provides new insights into sacred texts and religious life. We shall chiefly explore the way Wittgenstein deals with New Testament theology. Then in the second half of the course we shall try to understand to what extent Wittgenstein´s philosophy of religion can be compared to Pascal´s apology of Christianity in the Thoughts. A discussion of Pascal´s criticism of metaphysical proofs of God, an issue that underlies much of his thinking in the Thoughts, and an analysis of Wittgenstein´s rejection of historical proofs, which assumes a central role in his remarks on religious belief, will help us to understand the affinity between the two authors.
Bibliography
PASCAL, B., Pensées, in OEuvres complètes, vol. II, ed. M. Le Guern, Paris, Gallimard, 2000, pp. 541-1082, 1296-1609; The Thoughts of Blaise Pascal, ed. M. A. Molinier, tr. C. K. Paul, London, Kegan Paul, Trench & Co., 1885.
WITTGENSTEIN, L., Lectures and Conversations on Aesthetics, Psychology and Religious Belief. Compiled from the Notes taken by Y. Smithies, R. Rhees and J. Taylor, ed. C. Barrett, Oxford, Basil Blackwell, 1966; Aulas e Conversas sobre Estética, Psicologia e Fé Religiosa, tr. M. Tamen, Lisboa, Cotovia, 1991.
WITTGENSTEIN, L., Notebooks 1914-1916, ed. G. H. von Wright / G. E. M. Anscombe, tr. G. E. M. Anscombe, Oxford, Blackwell, 1979; Cadernos 1914-1916, tr. J. T. Proença, Lisboa, Edições 70, 2004.
WITTGENSTEIN, L., Denkbewegungen. Tagebücher 1930-1932, 1936-1937 (MS 183), vol. 1, ed. I. Somavilla, Innsbruck, Haymon, 1997; Movements of Thought. Diaries, 1930-1932, 1936-1937, tr. A. Nordmann, in Public and Private Occasions, ed. A. Nordmann / J. C. Klagge. Lanham, MD, Rowman & Littlefield, 2003, pp. 3-255.
WITTGENSTEIN, L., Vermischte Bemerkungen. Eine Auswahl aus dem Nachlass / Culture and Value. A Selection from the Posthumous Remains, ed. G. H. von Wright / H. Nyman, rev. A. Pichler, tr. P. Winch, Oxford, Blackwell, 1998; Cultura e Valor, tr. J. Mendes, Lisboa, Edições 70, 1996.
Teaching method
The method adopted for the class will combine exposition of the readings and commentaries on them along with discussion of student papers.
Evaluation method
Besides a final exam (60%), each student is required to write a paper to be presented and discussed in class (40%).