Knowledge:
Where does our knowledge come from? How do we gain knowledge? Be creative and use examples! Then consider the question: How did you develop your answer(s)? What generated your thinking?
Spirituality:
As we begin our unit on spirituality and the philosophy of religion, let’s focus on answering a few introduction questions. Is being spiritual important? Why? Why not? How does one be spiritual? What does it mean to be spiritual? What does being spiritual look like or include in the twenty-first century? Is it different to how spirituality looked or was practiced in the past? How does institutional religion compare to being spiritual? What is the difference between the two?
Pascal:
What are some problems with Pascal’s argument for why we should believe in God? Focus on some problems that were discussed in the lecture and in the two readings in our textbook written by contemporary scholars who research Pascal (Blackburn and Zagzebski). Is Pascal developing a “proof” or reason to believe in God that is worthwhile? Is this how we should reflect upon belief in God? Is belief in God or a higher power something that one should choose because of probability and the chance of receiving benefits? Or are there better reasons to believe in God or a higher power? Lastly, would you make the make wager? Why or why not?