Religious Studies

Course summary

Philosophy, Ethics & Theology is a subject that by its nature requires students to consider individual, moral, ethical, social, cultural and contemporary issues. This course will help students to study relationships between religion and culture; consider moral values and attitudes of individuals, faith communities or contemporary society; develop skill in reasoning on matters concerning values, attitudes and actions; develop the ability to make responsible judgments on significant moral teaching and issues. Topics explored include: • Philosophy of religion - philosophical language and thought; the soul, mind and body; the existence of God: arguments based on observation; the existence of God: arguments based on reason; religious experience and the problem of evil. • Religion and ethics - Aquinas and natural law; situation ethics; Kantian ethics; utilitarianism; applied ethics - euthanasia and business ethics. • Developments in Christian thought - Augustine on human nature; death and the afterlife; knowledge of God’s existence; Jesus Christ; Christian moral principles; Christian moral action - Dietrich Bonhoeffer.