Philosophy of religion : an introduction with readings

This work provides an introduction to philosophical thinking about central aspects of religion.

With the beginning student in mind, Stuart Brown guides the reader through three main topics: whether or not there is life after death; whether or not there is a powerful, beneficent intelligence of God controlling the universe; and the nature and appropriate defence of religious belief or faith.

A concise discussion of classical arguments in the philosophy of religion is combined with an emphasis on the implications of contemporary science (especially Darwinism) and philosophy of mind.

By the end of the book, students should be able to: recognize interconnections between theories of the mind and beliefs about mortality and immortality; be able to assess some of the implications of Darwinism for religious belief; and critically discuss some of the writings by key commentators on religious belief, such as Richard Dawkins and David Hume.