Belief in God: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion - Couverture rigide

Mawson, T. J.

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 0199276315 ISBN 13 : 9780199276318

Editeur : Clarendon Press, 2005

Synopsis

Book by Mawson T J

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur :

Belief in God answers two questions: what, if anything, is it that Jews, Christians, and Muslims are agreeing about when they join in claiming that there is a God; and what, if any, prospects are there for rationally defending or attacking this claim? In the context of a sustained argument for particular answers to these questions, Tim Mawson tackles many of the most prominent topics in the philosophy of religion. He argues that those who believe that there is a God are best interpreted as believing that there is a being who is essentially personal, transcendent, immanent, omnipotent, omniscient, eternal, perfectly free, perfectly good, and necessary; and non-essentially creator of the world and value; revealer of Himself; and offerer of everlasting life. Having explored the meaning and consistency of this conception of God in the first half of the book, Mawson goes on to consider whether or not belief or the absence of belief in such a God might be the sort of thing that does not rationally require argument and, if not, what the criteria for a good argument for or against such a God's existence might be. Having established some criteria, he uses them to evaluate specific arguments for and against the existence of such a God. He looks at the Argument to Design; the Cosmological Argument; the Ontological Argument; the Argument from Religious Experience; the Argument from Apparent Miracles; the Problem of Evil; and Pascal's Wager. Finally, he explores the relation between faith and reason. In the course of his argument, Mawson makes striking new claims and defends or attacks established positions in new ways. His conversational style, lively wit, and enlightening examples make Belief in God as pleasurable as it is instructive and thought-provoking. It makes an ideal text for beginning undergraduate courses and for anyone thinking about these most important of questions.

Revue de presse :

Anyone working in the analytical tradition of philosophy of religion, at any level, would find something of interest in the book: both as teaching material (I know from experience how much students enjoy some of the experiments), and as a contribution in its own right. (Philosophy)

Mawson addresses his imagined reader in a witty and intimate style, regaling us with hilarious anecdotes - featuring butlers, straight bananas, space-ships and complaints about the government - which do double-service as philosophically probing thought experiments...the great virtue of the book is that is does not simply introduce students to the main lines of argument and critique (although that it does), but it encourages the reader to think, by showing how a philosopher might approach an issue, with an interest not so much in the literature about it, but in the questions of truth that the literature is about. Also admirable is the way in which Mawson advances an original position, so making it of wider interest to the more advanced reader. (Christopher Insole, Philosophy)

a lively and engaging introduction to the philosophy of religion...makes some significant contributions to contemporary debates in the subject, and which will provide a great deal of discussion among those working in this field ... his style is contagiously enthusiastic ... Mawson has presented a provocative and stimulating argument concerning the nature and existence of God (Brian Clack, Ars Disputandi)

The conversational and relaxed style, as of a good undergraduate supervision, full of lively illustrations in the form of little parables, appeals. But the discussion moves to a higher level than the commendation suggests, and T.J. Mawson voices interesting and provocative thoughts. (TLS)

À propos de cette édition

• Éditeur: Clarendon Press
• Date d'édition: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0199276315
• ISBN 13: 9780199276318
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 284