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.

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.

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.

Murphy, Nancey. Reasoning and Rhetoric in Religion. Trinity Press International, 1994.

Toulmin, Stephen. The Uses of Argument. Cambridge University, 1980.

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.

None. (This is a good course to take in the first year.)

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Philosophical Theology (PHIL).

Yes.