Philosophy Course: The Philosophy of World Religions

What you'll learn

Learn philosophical perspectives on the world's great religions with our philosophy short courses online!

For thousands of years, the world's great religions have explored some of humanity's deepest questions. Why are we here? What happens after death? Do we have free will? What is the nature of consciousness, morality, and the divine? This thought-provoking course examines how the major religious traditions have approached these enduring philosophical questions and the ideas that continue to shape cultures around the world.

Through the study of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, you'll explore the central beliefs, philosophical traditions, and influential thinkers of each faith while examining both their distinctive perspectives and the surprising ideas they share. Guided by an experienced philosophy tutor, you'll investigate concepts such as the soul, God, karma, reincarnation, suffering, free will, salvation, and enlightenment through reasoned discussion and critical analysis.

Whether you have a personal interest in philosophy, religion, history, or simply enjoy exploring life's big questions, this course offers a fascinating opportunity to deepen your understanding of some of humanity's most influential systems of thought.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Philosophy of World Religions course, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:

Comparing the philosophical foundations of the world's major religious traditions
Understanding key concepts including God, the soul, consciousness, free will, karma, reincarnation, salvation, and enlightenment
Exploring how different religions address fundamental questions about human existence
Examining the ideas of influential religious figures and philosophers
Developing critical thinking through philosophical discussion and analysis
Appreciating both the similarities and differences between major religious worldviews

Course content

What will be covered in this Philosophy of World Religions course?

Week 1 - Judaism: God, Creation and Ethics

Key ideas in orthodox Judaism
The nature of God in orthodox Judaism
Adam & Eve and creation in orthodox Judaism
Ethics in orthodox Judaism
Reformist Judaism

Week 2 - Christianity: Early Christian Philosophy

The council of Nicaea and the holy trinity
Introduction to Gnostics and the Patristic Fathers
The concept of christ as the logos
Christ as divine and eternal
The creation of humanity

Week 3 - Christianity: The Development of Christian Thought

Revised Christianity after 325AD
The idea of the trinity
The dogmatic doctrine of heaven & hell
The doctrine of salvation

Week 4 - Islam: Philosophy and the Qur'an

The holy Quran
The Hadith & the other holy scriptures
The prophet Muhammad
The five pillars
The key metaphysical ideas of Islam

Week 5 - Hinduism: Brahman, Karma and Reicarnation

The key doctrines of Hinduism
Reincarnation in Hinduism
The supreme being, creates the universe
Human beings, self, soul, mind and the body

Week 6 - Buddhism: Suffering, Compassion and Nirvana

The main schools of Buddhism
The key role of suffering in Buddhism
Reincarnation in relation to karma
The ten laws and the five precepts of morality
Comparison of ethical teachings of Buddha & Jesus
The self and consciousness in Buddhism

Week 7 - Buddhism and Course Conclusion

The seven realms of the phenomenal universe
Views on Karmic consequences
The nature of Nirvana
The similarities in the metaphysical schemas of Buddhism and early Christianity.
General conclusion to the course

Intended audience

Who is this Philosophy of World Religions course for?

This course is ideal for anyone interested in philosophy, religion, history, or culture who would like to explore the world's major religious traditions through critical thinking and philosophical enquiry.

No previous knowledge of philosophy or religious studies is required. Curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to engage in thoughtful discussion are all you'll need.

Course venue

Online via Zoom.

Zoom details will be emailed to you with your enrolment confirmation.

Requirements:

A device with a stable internet connection

Course testimonials

Karen said: I enjoyed turning my mind to a completely different area of learning. I found the interaction with the tutor engaging and helpful, and I was always comfortable to ask questions. The course content was thought provoking and I find myself wanting to read more broadly on the topic, largely due to the comprehensive material and expertise of the tutor. I thought it was fabulous.
Peter said: It was great to get an overview of all the main religions of the world. great course!!
Yves said: I have enjoyed this course a lot tutor is extremely knowledgeable and inspiring. He's an excellent tutor and his passion is infectious. I'll miss not attending his class every Tuesday.
Robert said: This is the second course I have attended. I find the tutor both insightful and thought full. His notes are an excellent summary of the issues. I look forward to attending more of his courses. In that regard it would seem that it may not be possible to attend a number of his courses until later in the new year . This is disappointing as I would like to continue my exploration earlier in the year.
Michelle said: The tutors knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject matter is very impressive. He delivers his classes in an engaging manner and I feel I have learnt a great deal. The take-home notes he provides are very comprehensive.

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