DESCRIPTION:

The modern period has been a difficult one for theologians, largely due to modern philosophical presuppositions. It is the thesis of this course that philosophy itself has undergone a quiet revolution since the 1950s, and the new philosophical climate offers exciting possibilities for theologians. We will read representative works by `revolutionaries' in epistemology, philosophy of language, and metaphysics, and look at their consequences for theology, biblical studies, and theological ethics.

Many battles fought in both liberal and conservative churches are products of modern thought. This course should help future church leaders put the old issues into perspective. More importantly, it should provide a more helpful framework for creative and productive theologizing.

This is a bi-level course for advanced masters students and for Ph.D.and Th.M. students. Class time will be divided between lectures and discussion of the readings.

Hauerwas, Stanley, N. Murphy, and M. Nation, eds. Theology without Foundations. Trinity, 1994.

Kühn, Thomas. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press, 1970.

Lindbeck, George. The Nature of Doctrine. Westminster, 1984.

MacIntyre, Alasdair. Three Rival Versions of Moral Enquiry. Notre Dame, 1989.

McClendon, James Wm. and James M. Smith. Convictions. Trinity, 1994.

Murphy, Nancey. Anglo-American Postmodernity. Westview, 1997.

Toulmin, Stephen. Cosmopolis. Free Press, 1990.

Additional photocopied materials.

Careful reading of texts; regular attendance; class participation. M.A./M.Div students: two 10-12 page papers. Graduate students: 20-30 page paper.

Permission of instructor for MA and M.Div. students.

Elective. (May fulfill core PHIL requirement for students with undergraduate major in philosophy.)

None.