An Introduction to Philosophy for Theology (AP8000C)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

The unit provides an overview of some major concepts and thinkers in the Western philosophical tradition that are relevant for the study of theology. It is suitable both as a preparation for theological studies and as an introduction for students wishing to pursue further philosophical studies. Thinkers studied will include some or all of Plato, Aristotle, Anselm, Aquinas, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant, Nietzsche, Gadamer, and Heidegger. Themes studied will include some or all of the following: arguments for the existence of God, the classical attributes of God, religious language, natural law, political philosophy, the human person, ethics, the problem of evil, and the nature of scientific knowledge. (This unit may be offered in intensive mode.)

Unit code: AP8000C

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Philosophy

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Outline the fundamental ideas, positions, and arguments of some of the thinkers studied in the unit.
2.

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the major arguments of some of the thinkers presented in the unit.
3.

Explain the major counter-arguments against some key positions presented in the unit.
4.

Demonstrate the capacity to research a specific topic in a critically rigorous, sustained, and self-directed manner.

Pedagogy

Lectures and discussion of primary texts

Indicative Bibliography

  • Allen, Diogenes. Philosophy for Understanding Theology. SCM, 2007.
  • Brook, Angus, ed. An Introduction to Philosophy and Theology within Catholic Liberal Education. McGraw-Hill Education, 2017.
  • Clark, Kelly J., Richard Lints, and James K. A. Smith. 101 Key Terms in Philosophy and Their Importance for Theology. Westminster John Knox, 2004.
  • Dew, James, and Paul Gould. Philosophy: A Christian Introduction. Baker Academic, 2019.
  • Falque, Emmanuel, Matthew Farley, and Reuben Shank. Crossing the Rubicon: The Borderlands of Philosophy and Theology. Fordham University Press, 2016.
  • Lamb, Matthew L., ed. Theology Needs Philosophy. Catholic University of America Press, 2016.
  • Mawson, T. J. Belief in God: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion. Oxford University Press, 2023.
  • Neville, Robert C. Strange, Surprising and Sure: Essays in Uncommon Philosophy and Theology. SUNY Press, 2024.
  • Rowe, William L., William J. Wainwright, and Robert Ferm, eds. Philosophy of Religion: Selected Readings. 3rd ed. Oxford University Press, 1998.
  • Walsh, Anthony. The Philosophy and Natural Theology of Religion. Ethics International Press, 2024.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper

Seminar paper

 1000 20.0
Essay

3000-word essay

As an integrity check, the lecturer will meet online to discuss the contents of the essay with the student after the essay is marked. The timing of this short recorded interview (up to five minutes) will be arranged via email initiated by the lecturer.

 3000 50.0
Written Examination

2-hour written examination

 2000 30.0

Variant 2

Essay

2000-word essay

 2000 40.0
Essay

4000-word essay

As an integrity check, the lecturer will meet online to discuss the contents of the essay with the student after the essay is marked. The timing of this short recorded interview (up to five minutes) will be arranged via email initiated by the lecturer.

 4000 60.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 24 Jun, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-06-24 17:29:01 +1000