DESCRIPTION: The term `postmodern' is used in a variety of ways: to refer to
developments in art and architecture, in contemporary culture generally, in
Continental philosophy, and in English-language (Anglo-American) philosophy.
This course focuses on the last of these--radical changes in philosophical
views of knowledge, language, human nature, and causation. The thesis of the
course is that the modern worldview, as reflected in modern philosophy, was
inhospitable to Christian faith and practice; thus these postmodern
developments offer exciting opportunities for new approaches in theology,
biblical studies, Christian ethics, apologetics.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: American Protestantism has long been
sharply divided between liberal and conservative, and more recently by modern
versus postmodern agendas. This course aims to help students understand the
sources of these divisions so as to be able better to minister to Christians on
other sides of these divides.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Knowledge: to increase students' knowledge of recent
Anglo-American philosophy and to see its relevance to the theological task,
broadly construed. Skills: to increase skills in critical thinking and academic
writing. Attitudes: to increase understanding of and appreciation for scholars
and church members whose views and emphases differ from one's own.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions, mostly
lecture, but with sessions for small group discussion.
REQUIRED READING: