PH500
Murphy
PH500: REASONING IN RELIGION. Nancey Murphy.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course has two goals: The first is to familiarize students
with basic principles of reasoning. The second is to introduce students to the
methods of reasoning used in the various theological disciplines (homiletics,
exegesis, theology, ethics, and history), examining the ways basic reasoning is
used to warrant conclusions in each of these disciplines.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Improved reasoning skills should increase the effectiveness of
teaching, preaching, counseling, and other forms of communication in the
church. Also, awareness of how reasoning in the theological disciplines
conforms to universally recognized principles should be of value for apologetic
purposes. However, the more immediate goal of the course is to assist students
in their other course work.
COURSE FORMAT:
- In the first weeks of the course, basic principles of reasoning
will be presented. The latter part of the course will include lectures (by the
professor and by guest lecturers) on the methods used in the various
theological disciplines. Some class sessions will be spent discussing the
exercises students will have done outside the class.
REQUIRED READING:
- Murphy, Nancey. Reasoning and Rhetoric in Religion. Trinity
Press International, 1994.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Toulmin, Stephen. The Uses of Argument. Cambridge
University, 1980.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Most out-of-class time will be spent on assorted exercises that
give opportunity to practice reasoning skills and apply them to material
relevant to other seminary courses. Exercises must be done on time so they can
be discussed in small-group sessions. The grade will be based on final exam
and several midterm exams and quizzes. A computerized version of the exercises
will be availble for purchase in class.
PREREQUISITES:
- None. (This is a good course to take in the first year.)
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M.Div. core requirement in Philosophical Theology
(PHIL).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.