Philosophy 472
Advanced Issues in Philosophy of Religion: Atheism and Philosophical Naturalism
Professor Matthew Davidson
tinyurl.com/davidsoncm
(allow 2 days for a response, put "Philosophy 472" in the subject line)
Office Hours: TuTh 2-4 and by Appt.
Phone: (909) 537-7727
Course Description
In this class we will examine philosophically some of the recent and classic attempts to flesh out a naturalistic worldview on which no being like the God of Western monotheism exists. There has been a significant amount of effort over the last twenty years or so in defending the intellectual respectability of a naturalistic worldview. After examining some historical precursors (e.g. Marx, Freud, Hume), we will spend extensive time evaluating the claims and arguments made recently, in particular by some of the "New Atheists" (with Dawkins and Dennett in particular).
There are three required texts from the Bookstore, and one Course Packet available at Copy+. Some readings may be e-mailed. The books are:
1) Darwin's Dangerous Idea by Daniel Dennett.
2) Where the Conflict Really Lies by Alvin Plantinga.
3) Philosophers Without Gods ed. Louise Antony.
About the Class
I expect you to come to class each day having done the assigned reading and with questions to ask. It will not be possible for you to read the material assigned for the course without having questions. You need to take notes on what you are reading, and you need to write down your questions and bring them to class. The material will be hard. This class will focus on critically evaluating ideas through class discussion and reflection both inside and outside class. I will not feed you information which I expect you to memorize, write down for a test, and forget. The goal of this class is to assist you in thinking. This often has little to do with memorizing facts. Also, just because you're not being fed a spate of information you shouldn't think you shouldn't be taking notes. You should be thinking hard about what is being discussed in class, and you should be taking notes as you think through problems and listen to what your classmates or I have to say.
Assignment of Grades
The grade will consist of two 4-5 page papers, and a number of short (1/2-2 page) writing assignments that will be given throughout the quarter. The first paper is worth 25% of your grade. An optional rewrite of that first paper is worth 25%. (If you don't do the rewrite, I will double your score from the first paper.) The second paper is worth 30% of the grade and is due during the final exam period. Each of the graded shorter papers is worth 20/n% each, where 'n' is the total number of short assignments graded. The papers should be typed, and double-spaced in 12-point Arial or Helvetica font. If you do not receive credit for one of the short assignments, you may take it to the Writing Center (details on the website), work on it with the people there, and turn it back in to be re-graded. No papers will be accepted late without a very good reason. You should e-mail me to find out what you missed in class if you miss class; not knowing about the assignment isn't sufficient grounds for an extension on it. Always keep extra copies of your papers. All students should be familiar with the University regulations on plagiarism, as stated in the Bulletin. You may find a link to the Bulletin and information on plagiarism on the website.
There is opportunity for extra credit. You can earn the equivalent of one half of one short assignment if you bring an item (more than one is great, but only one is required) of food to me to give toThe Den (the food pantry at CSUSB). If you can't or for some reason don't want to donate an item, come talk to me and I'll give you an extra writing assignment.
There is a second opportunity for extra credit. You can earn the equivalent of one half of one short assignment if you read and write a short reaction to Dr. Martin Luther King's Letter From a Birmingham Jail. Write at least two pages on your reaction to it: Address this question in particular: What surprised you, reading it in 2018?
Final grades will be assigned as follows: n0% will suffice for a grade G-. n3% will suffice for a grade of G. n8% will suffice for a grade of G+. (So, 80% is a B-, 83% is a B, and 88% is a B+)
If you are in need of an accommodation for a disability in order to participate in class, please let me know ASAP and also contact Services to Students with Disabilities at UH-183, (909)537-5238.
Classroom Conduct
This is an electronic-free zone. Please put phones away (off desks), and no texting. No laptops, Kindles, or tablets (iPads, etc.).
I know some of you have to keep tabs on work/family/both/neither outside of class. If you need to make a call or send some texts, absolutely feel free to step out into the hall to do so. While we're in class, I want all of us to focus on the material we're learning together.
If you are in need of an accommodation for a disability in order to participate in this class, please let me know ASAP and also contact Services to Students with Disabilities at UH-183, (909) 537-5238.
Schedule
The following is a rough schedule of readings and assignments. We may deviate temporally from the schedule as our interests dictate, and we may examine additional materials to aid in your understanding of the texts. I'll let you know at the end of each class what is due for the next class, and I will give you at least a week to work on papers.
The second paper and rewrite of the first paper are due the Friday of finals week at 12:00 noon to my mailbox in UH 235.
Keep in mind that the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy will be of much help to you:
Readings are from the following sources:
1) Course Packet (CP). Available at Copy +
2) Dennett, Darwin's Dangerous Idea (DDI).
3) Plantinga,Where the Conflict Really Lies (WTCRL).
4) Antony, Philosophers Without Gods (PWG).
Week 1: Introduction and definition of naturalism (Rea in CP).
Week 2: Historical Sources: Hume (section XV), Nietzsche, Freud, Marx, Westphal (CP). Contemporary sources: Dennett, "Breaking the Spell" (CP), Dawkins, "The God Delusion", McGrath, "Dawkins' God."
Week 3: Continue contemporary sources. Roger White, "You Just Believe that Because" (selections, CP).
Week 4: Kitcher, "Born Again Creationism" (CP), Johnson "Evolution as Dogma" (CP). Begin Dennett v. Plantinga. DDI 1-3.
Week 5: DDI pp. 370-521.
Week 6: Finish DDI. Plantinga WTCRL through 121.Paper 1 Due.
Week 7: Plantinga WTCRL through 121.Plantinga, "Games Scientists Play".
Week 8: Plantinga WTCRL 163-186. Skim ch. 7 and 8. Plantinga WTCRL 265-331.
Week 9: Begin some thinking about a contemporary naturalistic life: From the Meaning of Life (CP) pp. 35-61. PWG: ch. 4, 7, 13, 18, 19.
Week 10: Finish PWG 4, 7, 13, 18, 19.