The topic: The Philosophy of Religion.

This topic will examine how philosophical thought has developed over time regarding belief in God, the existence of God, and the shifting nature of belief due to the rise of secularism. Some of the issues that will be discussed include: Is there is a moral necessity for faith? Does secular humanism fill the faith gap? Why is religion so pervasive? The thoughts of philosophers of the Enlightenment start this journey from the early 17th century which progresses through to current times. Descartes, Leibniz, Paley, Hume, Kant, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche and Taylor are the key players in the development of western philosophical thought on religion. The presentation will conclude with the question “Will the religious inherit the earth?”

Our speaker:

Gary Dowling is a mature age student at Macquarie University studying philosophy and politics. Gary has lectured before at the Philosophy Forum and also at the University of the Third Age on philosophy. He is a founding member of the Port Macquarie Philosophy Forum.

https://www.portmacquariephilosophyforum.com/