PHIL 167 CM - Theism, Naturalism, and Morality

Debates between theists and atheists typically focus on (1) naturalistic evolution and (2) the problem of evil (i.e. the tension between the existence of suffering and an all good god). These issues raise difficult questions concerning morality. Naturalists charge that any god willing to allow suffering is too immoral to be worthy of worship; theists counter that naturalistic evolution leaves no place for morality at all. This course will explore the moral implications of theism and naturalism. We will look at historically important religious and naturalistic accounts of morality, and we will explore the recent research on the (alleged) evolution of our moral sensibilities.

Prerequisite: One prior course in philosophy or permission of the instructor.

Offered: Every other year

Credit: 1

Course Number: PHIL167 CM