Looking for an interesting course for Spring 2017?

How about PHI 315, Philosophy of Religion?

In PHI 315, Philosophy of Religion, we will explore a variety of truth-claims related to issues that affect
the human species (us) at the most fundamental level of our existence. If one were to ask you What is
religion?, how would you respond? It may depend on such factors as where you find yourself in the world, or,
what particular sect you choose to practice your faith in, or, you may not practice any faith but you may still be
ready to answer this question in one way or another. For example, I am an atheist and therefore believe that all
religions mutually cancel each other out. Or, Im an agnostic and although I am open to the possibility of
there being some sort of transcendent being of the type described by various faith traditions, I have not seen
enough verifiable evidence to persuade me to believe.
The problem of evil is another very important question that is explored in the philosophy of religion.
For example, one might ask you how it is possible for three things to be true at the same time regarding the
existence of the God as understood in the major monotheistic faith traditions. First, there is the doctrine of
omnipotence (that God is all-powerful). Second, the doctrine of omnibenevolence (that God is all-good).
Third, that evil exists. The question then becomes something like How can all three of these be true? If God is
both all-powerful and all-good, whence comes evil? Why would a God who is all-powerful and all-good allow
evil? So, perhaps one or the other of the characteristics attributed to him may turn out to not be the case, and
if so, then it may be easier to explain why there is such a phenomenon as evil. In addition to this argument, we
will explore various theistic responses in an attempt to bring a reasonable balance to both sides of the argument.
So, hopefully this information provides you with a little more insight into some of the fascinating and
sometimes frustrating questions in philosophy of religion where the really big questions of our existence are
encountered and if not resolved to everyones satisfaction, at least explored together in an environment where
everyones ideas are valued and where dialogue and exploration are encouraged.
If this course holds interest for you, I would look forward to you joining me on this journey of
thought exploration.
If you would like more information, I am most happy to provide a copy of the syllabus for review. Or,
you may discuss it with me personally by calling me.
Dr. Terry Weldin-Frisch
Adjunct Associate Professor of Philosophy
tweld2@uis.edu
(217) 416-1438

We will explore many other fascinating problems during our time together in PHI 315. If you have
ever found yourself speculating about such questions as What about all the religions found around the world
that seem to not agree with the truth-claims of my chosen faith tradition? Are they all wrong and is my belief
the only right one, or conversely, is it possible that I have made the wrong choice or, do they all lead to the
same place in the end? Or, What happens to me when I die? Is there at least the possibility of life after death
or did Epicurus have it right, as Bertrand Russell reports in his A History of Western Philosophy, when he said
Death is nothing to us; for that which is dissolved, is without sensation, and that which lacks sensation is
nothing to us?