Most influential topic covered in the course
The topic that completely changed my mindset is the arguments of God’s existence. The issue presented in the topic evaluated that every problem requires a complex revision. Considering an argument in seclusion from other views could be irrelevant because discussing such a complicated issue as God’s existence without a cumulative review led to mistaken beliefs (Introduction to philosophy of religion, n.d). Moreover, the claims for God’s existence mentioned in the course represented the conceptual view of the problem (Introduction to philosophy of religion, n.d). All the arguments could be opposed; however, some of them are stronger due to more substantial objections (Introduction to philosophy of religion, n.d). This sophisticated and controversial topic altered the strategy I used to apply in questioning complex questions and realized that observing the whole view is mandatory.
An issue discussed in the course that has affected your behavior
The proof related to the God’s existence highlighted in the course influenced my behavior by widening borders in my reasoning. In the beginning, the ambiguous and controversial nature of the evidence made me doubt the reliability of the information. However, realizing that one thing might have more than one definition showed that the evidence could be found (Introduction to philosophy of religion, n.d). Moreover, the understanding that a decent proof does not have to apply to physics laws opened many perspectives in my way of thinking (Introduction to philosophy of religion, n.d). Awareness of the existence evidence issue led me to point out that different types of questions could be solved in various ways (Introduction to philosophy of religion, n.d). This issue showed that there is more than one answer to the question.
The meaning or meaningfulness of life and include whether your view is theistic or non-theistic. Explanation of the alternative view
This course helped me realize that complicated questions require more deep analyzing and considering all the possible variations. The answer for this philosophical question may include logical, evidential, and existential reasoning (Introduction to philosophy of religion, n.d). Therefore, my response will consist of two different views, both theistic and non-theistic. Talking from the theistic point of view and mentioning religion, the meaning of life is to realize and understand the weak nature of humanity. Furthermore, it commonly notes by different religions that this life is a trial; that is why the meaning of life is to learn how to play correctly. Turning to the non-theistic side, where there is no life after death, life seems meaningless. Nevertheless, the brief period in the history of the Universe during which our live lasts is meaningful. The meaningfulness of our life is that what we left in history. These views could be mistaken; however, they also could change with time.
How one particular issue studied in the course connects with your major (criminal justice) and how you envision it impacting your future career purpose and/or goals
The problem of evil is the one that could relate to my major. Although the connection between the issue and the field of criminal justice is not so obvious, a particular bond exists between them. The problem of evil is a theistic issue, which conducts the nature of evil, relation to God, and moral side of the defense (Introduction to philosophy of religion, n.d). On the other side, criminal justice is not related by theistic views to the concept and reviews only non-theistic frameworks. However, understanding the conceptual connection between these two helps acknowledge the motives and morals of criminal behavior. Observing the complete picture and mindset of different people, realizing their view of evil, God, and morality opens different professional work perspectives.
References
Introduction to philosophy of religion: God, reason, and religious experience. (n.d) PHI-103 topic 3 overview.