The Philosophy of Religion: An Historical Introduction

This illuminating guide places key issues and debates in thephilosophy of religion in their historical contexts, highlightingthe conditions that led to the development of the field. A range ofcore topics is addressed, among them: The relationship between religion and philosophy The existence of God Religion and morality The problem of evil Death and the afterlife The problem of religious diversity Rich with argument, yet never obtrusive, this engaging text notonly provides an accessible overview of this vibrant field, butalso invites readers to think through the issues in the philosophyof religion themselves.

Preface.

1. The Philosophical Approach to Religion.

2. The Classical Arguments for the Existence of God.

3. Pragmatic and Fideist Approaches to Religious Beliefs.

4. Who or What Is God?.

5. Fate, Freedom, and Foreknowledge.

6. Religion and Morality.

7. The Problem of Evil.

8. Death and the Afterlife.

9. The Problem of Religious Diversity.

10. Faith, Reason, and the Ethics of Belief.

Bibliography.

Index

Linda Trinkaus Zagzebski is the George Lynn Cross ResearchProfessor of Philosophy and Kingfisher College Chair of thePhilosophy of Religion and Ethics at the University of Oklahoma.She is the author of Divine Motivation Theory (2004), TheDilemma of Freedom and Foreknowledge (1991) and Virtues ofthe Mind (1996), and has edited Rational Faith (1993), Virtue Epistemology: Essays on Epistemic Virtue andResponsibility (with Abrol Fairweather, 2001), and Intellectual Virtue: Perspectives from Ethics andEpistemology (with Michael De Paul, 2003).

Timothy D. Miller is Assistant Professor of Philosophy atLee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.

"Linda Zagzebski has produced a very impressive,historically–informed introduction to the philosophy of religion.What is achieved in this book is actually something quite rare: atext which, though perfectly accessible to the beginning student,does not oversimplify the complex issues within philosophy ofreligion, and which, while genuinely introductory, at the same timesucceeds in making distinctive contributions to the subject. Alsonoteworthy here is the exemplary manner in which Zagzebski, thoughfirmly positioned within the analytic tradition, includessympathetic, non–dismissive discussions of thinkers outside of theanalytic mainstream (thinkers such as Kierkegaard, Wittgenstein andFreud). This serves to provide the book with an expansive feel; itgives the beginning student a sense of the wide range ofphilosophical approaches to religion; and it widens the sometimesnarrow focus of contemporary philosophy of religion." ( ArsDisputandi, January 2011) Zagzebski s Philosophy of Religion is a lucid,elegantly written, outstanding introduction to the field thatincludes classical arguments as well as some of the latest,cutting–edge work being done today. Charles Taliaferro, St. Olaf College One of Zagzebski s book s most attractivefeatures is her location of standard arguments and positions in thephilosophy of religion in their historical context. I highlyrecommend this accessible and original introductorytext. William Wainwright, University ofWisconsin Milwaukee Clearly written worthwhile as a textbook and as anoriginal contribution to [the] philosophy of religion. Theexcellent further readings make this a valuablereference tool. Choice Zagzebski has done some fine work [She] hopes tobroaden some of the standard topics These are refreshing andvery commendable aims for an introductory text. Metapsychology   A readable textbook that covers all theconventional ground. I found the way in which the arguments for theexistence of God were set out extremely helpful there ismuch to commend this book. The Scientific and Medical Network Review An excellent contribution to the field for its historicalapproach and its ability to contextualize currentdiscussions in light of history and personal faith. Religious Studies Review