Philo of Religion First Class - PDF
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Uploaded by ImmaculateDoppelganger
Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan
John Carlo E. Sabal
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Summary
This document presents an introduction to the Philosophy of Religion, including the definition of religion, the enterprise, and key questions. It is a study of the perspectives of various philosophers, notably Dennett, and invites critical thinking through discussion questions concerning his arguments. The audience for this material is likely undergraduate students.
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Preface: Philosophy of Religion PHILO 25 John Carlo E. Sabal Question of Philosophy of Religion The Enterprise of Philosophy of Religion From all the questions of Philo of Religion, we are driven to “Faith Seeking Understanding.” Preliminaries...
Preface: Philosophy of Religion PHILO 25 John Carlo E. Sabal Question of Philosophy of Religion The Enterprise of Philosophy of Religion From all the questions of Philo of Religion, we are driven to “Faith Seeking Understanding.” Preliminaries: Where is my belief/disbelief coming from? Objectives: 1. Identify commonalities and differences in the roots and development of various religious traditions. 2. Analyze the cultural transmission of religious ideas and rituals and their impact on societies. 3. Create an atmosphere of open dialogue where students can share their views on religion respectfully. Dennett: An Evolutionary Account of PHILO 25 Religion John Carlo E. Sabal Why Good Things Happen? Dennett believes that religion is good for the world. “Cui bono?” It brings out the best in a person. Dennett is not concerned with the truth of religious beliefs but rather with their function in culture. So, religion becomes cultural or part of culture. The Roots of Religion Tendency to adding agency to complicated animate objects. Our instinct to assign agency backfired by making it our response to life. Religion, the Early Days Every time there was an unexplained complicated event, there was a temptation to ascribe it to an agent with thoughts and feelings. This passage of beliefs from parents to children. The role of elders. Fear of accountability to freedom and actions. The Evolution of Stewardship Religious leaders use the fear of God to get adherents to listen to them. Others: People do not verify claims of religion and just go through the motion of professing belief. Religion is good for one’s health. Yet, it is not a good basis for Seatwork: 1.Do you agree with the points that Dennett presented? Justify your answer. 2.What part/s of his discussion did you find disagreeable? Explain.
