Online Philosophy Course: The Philosophy of World Religions

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 7-week online Philosophy of World Religions 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.

Course content

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

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.