God, Life, the Universe and Everything: Science and Meaning - HPSC2630


	Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
	School: School of History and Philosophy
	Course Outline: See below
	Campus: Kensington Campus
	Career: Undergraduate
	Units of Credit: 6
	EFTSL: 0.125 (more info)
	Contact Hours per Week: 3
	Enrolment Requirements:
	Prerequisite: 36 units of credit
	Equivalent: HPST2126
	Fee Band: 1 (more info)
	Further Information: See Class Timetable

Description

'Ultimate' questions about God, the meaning of life and the point of it all, have traditionally been the business of religion. Can science provide an answer to these questions, or is there always a realm of understanding which is beyond scientific knowledge? Examines philosophical issues in epistemology, metaphysics and philosophy of science. Topics include arguments for the existence of God and the underlying questions of evidence and explanation in science.

Learning Outcomes

With the successful completion of the course students will:

Gain understanding of various concepts and arguments relating to the existence of God, the origins of the universe and the meaning of life
Learn to analyse and critically evaluate the rationality of such arguments
Acquire key strategies enabling them to evaluate unfamiliar arguments on the same issues
Gain ability in communicating effectively, in both written and spoken forms, about topics related to the philosophy of religion.

Assessment

Two in-class tests - 40% (20% each)
Major essay (2000-3000 words) - 30%
Tutorial presentation and journal - 15%
Participation - 15%