Essential Philosophy
Topic outline
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Essential Philosophy
by Dr. Roy Clouser with Henry Reyenga
Are you interested in studying philosophy but do not have the time because of your other priorities? Do you want to have a "working" knowledge of philosophy?
Having a working knowledge of philosophy is becoming increasingly important for an active Christian or someone called into ministry. After taking this mini-course, you will see how everyone and every media source promotes a philosophy or worldview.
Who should take this philosophy course?
- Active Christians trying to discern the spirit of the age
- Blog writers
- Volunteer, part-time, or career ministers
- Parents
This course features videos from Dr. Roy Clouser. CLC president Henry Reyenga interviewed Dr. Clouser for a summary of the essence of Philosophy. Dr. Clouser was selected as a Templeton Award winner. If you wondered if you will ever take a Christian Philosophy course, this course might be a great fit for you. If you really connect to the mini-course materials, these mini-course lectures are posted again in the Introduction to Philosophy Course here at Christian Leaders College and Institute. Who knows? Maybe you will pursue many courses in Philosophy.
Course Outcomes:
- Be introduced to the subject of Philosophy.
- Learn about the structure of arguments and theory-making.
- Learn how the Greeks influenced philosophy.
- Find out and discern if anything is actually real from a philosophic perspective.
- Study the question of Divinity.
- Learn what Epistemology is and why it is important.
- Study the question of who humans are and draw some deeper conclusions.
- Learn the questions concerning the study of "time" itself.
- Be introduced to the world of Christian Philosophy.
Forums:
Post reflections in 3 forums. You will get a completion check indicating you have posted reflections. Also, read and engage with the comments of others.
Quiz:
After you complete viewing the materials and posting your reflections, there is a feedback quiz. The quiz will help us evaluate the effectiveness of the mini-course.
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Dive into a journey of studying Philosophy. In these interviews, we get introduced to Dr. Roy Clouser, who is 81 years old at the taping of this mini-course.
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Philosophy has a lot to do with thinking and theorizing. Theory-making is the core of most of our conversations. We usually never think about that. You will learn ways to see the "hidden" theories promoted in conversations, media outlets, government, blogs, and activist organizations.
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The Greeks are said to be the founders of what we know as Philosophy. Find out how the Greeks influenced this world. Learn how these ideas even influenced the history of Christianity.
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Make forum posts: 1
Reflection Questions:
Why is the study of philosophy important for our times?
Do you see any "theories" that are being promoted in a hidden way? What are you seeing?
What have you learned about and from the Greek philosophers?
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Does the world even exist? Is anything real? Or is everything constructed? Does this include things like identity, gender, and race? Dr. Clouser gives essential insights into a Christian theory of reality.
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Can the existence of God be proved from philosophic argumentation or theory? Dr. Clouser reflects on the general history and the Christian history of this topic. You will learn some insights that will help you in evangelism.
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What can we know for sure, and how do we know anything for sure? What is a Christian worldview of "knowing?" One popular view of reality called "postmodernism" philosophy, which is taught at many universities, says that knowledge is basically "relative or constructed." Find out how this compares with a Biblical worldview.
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Make forum posts: 1
Reflection Questions:
Why are theories of reality relevant for your life or ministry?
How does the study of Divinity from a philosophy point of view matter to you?
Why does studying epistemology change your life?
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Who are humans? This question seems obvious from a Biblical point of view. But you will learn some of the complicated issues that are talked about in philosophy. You may learn something about yourself that you did not know before.
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Philosophy studies the nature of time. Time is a mode of existence that has been talked about for centuries. Find out what Dr. Clouser has to say about time.
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Many believe that philosophy is a non-religious neutral study. It is not! Dr. Clouser introduces us to the teaching of Christian Philosopher Herman Dooyeweerd. Learn some of the essentials of "Christian Philosophy."
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Make forum posts: 1
Reflection Questions:
What does the study of Anthropology have to say about abortion issues?
How does the study of "time" help you serve the Lord?
Why is a Christian Philosophy important?
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