I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces students to key approaches, ideas,
inquiries and issues of Philosophy in the context
of their significance for/challenge to the project of thinking, living and
serving Christ and community as informed, educated Christians. Through structured
participative approaches, it will emphasise: (1)
primary questions/foci/issues; (2) terms, tools and techniques used to address
such issues with due regard for precision, clarity and cogency; and, (3) the
use of the principle of comparative difficulties to critically reflect on pivotal
elements, issues and impacts of the systems put forward by select ancient,
medieval and modern/postmodern philosophers, in response to these questions.
Through these explorations, the interaction of philosophy and Christian faith
across time will also be explored, to discover whether biblically rooted,
philosophically informed, prophetic intellectual and cultural leadership (e.g.
as sketched in Acts 17:16 – 33)
is possible and/or desirable. The participants will then use their findings
to discuss the relevance and applicability of philosophical questions and
approaches to current challenges faced by the Caribbean.
GO
TO FIRST UNIT
II. Tentative
Course Schedule
III.
INSTRUCTIONAL GOAL AND OBJECTIVES:
GOAL: Through participation in this course,
students should demonstrate an understanding of and confident ability to critically
assess – and, where appropriate, apply -- key issues, concepts, approaches and tools of
philosophy to the 21st Century Caribbean context, in light
of relevance/challenges to the areas of ministry into which they are called.
OBJECTIVES: In order to fulfill
this goal, students who have successfully completed
the course should be able to :
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1.
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Identify major themes, branches, concerns
and techniques of philosophy, comparing/contrasting them with those
of theology and the empirical sciences.
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2.
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Critically but fairly assess the claims, degree of coherence
and impacts of key elements and arguments of several major philosophical
systems and associated worldviews. In so doing they should address:
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premises, presuppositions, principles,
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proof- and/or evidence- claims,
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theories/models & procedures,
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arguments, conclusions and agendas for action.
(Thus participants will advance their capacity as critical
consumers of information, arguments, knowledge-claims and proposals/agendas.)
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3.
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Compare and contrast Philosophical and Biblical ideas,
claims and agendas; through assessing/formulating biblically aware,
philosophically informed analyses and/or proposals, in light of challenges
facing the Caribbean.
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4.
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Identify and critically discuss worldview assumptions and
philosophical elements embedded in typical analyses, opinion pieces
or proposals in the Caribbean context,
presenting findings in fair-minded but critical presentations or dialogue.
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5.
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Present such analyses and arguments through acceptable
oral, multimedia or written formats as appropriate/required.
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IV.
Course Syllabus:
Go
here
Grading
Scale
V.
Some Resources and Links