Philosophy and Religious Studies

Philosophy

Philosophy asks fundamental questions in diverse areas of human thought and activity. Some examples of philosophical questions are:

• Does God exist?
• What justification do we have for saying that certain things are morally right and others morally wrong?
• What is knowledge?
• What, if anything, can we know for certain?
• Is science necessarily a superior form of knowledge?
• Is democracy the best political system?

In philosophy we are not necessarily concerned to answer these questions one way or another. Rather, we are concerned to look at the arguments for or against various positions. Philosophy is above all about the critical appraisal and evaluation of arguments.

Why study philosophy?

Philosophy provides students with a wide range of skills such as:

• Logical thinking
• Analysis
• Arguing a case
• Critical evaluation
• Organising information

These skills are highly sought after by employers.

Philosophy graduates perform very well in measures of general logical and problem solving ability. Studies have shown that generally they are only out performed in these respects by graduates in mathematics, physics and some aspects of engineering.

Philosophy can be studied at undergraduate, honours, Masters and PhD level.

Religious Studies

For most of human history, religion, of one form or another, has been the 'lens' through which humans have viewed their worlds, and the medium through which they have infused their worlds (or had their worlds infused) with meaning.

The rise of science has had a profound impact on religion and religious belief in the modern era; it has lead to the decline of organised religion in some areas, while in other areas, lead to the growth of 'unorganised' religion in which people look to spiritual and religious meaning.

This phenomenon suggests that, despite the many benefits science has brought to our material lives, religion, for many people, continues to provide answers to those timeless questions about life that science is either incapable of answering or sees no point in asking.

What will I study?

Religious Studies brings together a diverse range of courses from other contributing disciplines, such as:

• Anthropology
• Classics
• History
• Theology
• Philosophy
• Sociology.

The subject matter of these core courses includes:

• History, beliefs and practices of the world's major (and some of its minor) religions
• Phenomenology and psychology of religion and religious experience
• Psycho-dynamic structure and function of worldviews (religions and secular)
• Relationships between religion and science, religion and politics and religion and morality
• The place of nature in religion (and the place of religion in nature), and the place of religion in a secular world.

Study Options

Religious Studies offers a range of study options within the undergraduate major in either Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science.

The undergraduate major can be completed through either the BA or BSocSci programs, and allows students the opportunity to study the history, literature, beliefs and practices of the world religions from pre-history through antiquity to the present day.

Student may also approach the study of religion from a variety of perspectives in other areas including: Classics, History, Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology and Theology.

Courses offered in Religious Studies also contribute to a range of professional programs, including Development Studies, Education, Social Work and Theology.

Honours

The Honours program allows students to build upon their basic degree by completing a fourth year of research-oriented undergraduate study that will be viewed by future employers as signalling a capacity to conduct high quality research and analysis. It enhances students' competitive advantage for employment by allowing them to specialise in particular areas.

For those who do well, Honours also serves as the bridge from undergraduate to post-graduate for doctoral (PhD) study.

For further information contact one of the co-convenors: Dr John Wright (Philosophy) & Dr Colin Wilks (Religious Studies).

Academic Staff in Philosophy and Religious Studies

To view more information about a staff member, including research interests, please select the "web" option to visit that staff member's profile.