Does God Exist?

Subject 161-017 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty-two contact hours per semester: two 1-hour lectures per week for the first 11 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week beginning the third week of semester
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: A least one first-year single-semester philosophy subject, or permission from the Head of School or subject coordinator.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Bruce Langtry
Subject Overview:

This subject is a philosophical examination of whether God exists. What arguments are there in favour of the existence of God? How good are they? What objections are there to the existence of God? How good are they? We'll concentrate on various specific issues, such as whether recent scientific discoveries about the origins and nature of the physical universe count in favour of the view that the physical universe was designed by some intelligent being.

Assessment: A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour closed-book written examination 45% (held at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 5%.
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • be able to understand both the heart of a philosophical issue and its broader implications;

  • have skills to learn to form a critical understanding of philosophical texts;

  • have developed their skills to construct rigorous philosophical arguments.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (Islamic Studies)
Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Philosophy)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)

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