THEORIES OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION COURSES AT THE FACULTY OF PHILOSOPHY: DIDACTIC GOALS AND METAPHYSICAL IMPORTANCE

Abstract

This text presents an overview of how the academic field of theories of religion and philosophy of religion is taught at the Faculty of Philosophy at the University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius”, focusing on the didactic aims and learning outcomes of the courses across the BA, MA, and PhD levels. This overview provides a brief account of curricular design in an area that examines the sacred, the divine, the ineffable, and the metaphysical dimensions of religious life, thus contributing to the metaphysical core of the degree in philosophy, and to the pluriperspective nature of the interdisciplinary profiles. At the BA level, Theories of religion introduces students to major theories on the origin and nature of religion, covering concepts such as the sacred, myth, ritual, magic, and the formation of homo religiosus. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches by introducing anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies. Philosophy of religion builds on this foundation by addressing central metaphysical questions concerning the existence and nature of God, the limits of religious language (the field of negative theology), and the problem of evil in religion, while fostering analytical, comparative, and interpretive skills. It is also shown how an adapted elective version accommodates students from non-philosophical disciplines (archeology, art history etc.). At the MA level, Theories of the nature of religion deepens students’ analytical-synthetical and her­meneutical abilities, enabling them to critically engage with paradigms and methodological assumptions. History of the notion of God offers a genealogical study of the concept of divinity, training students to analyse and synthesize complex metaphysical ideas. Courses offered within interdisciplinary programs (Interreligious studies, Religiousstudies) provide foundational competencies for students without extensive philosophical background.  The PhD courses, Philosophy and religion and Religion and morality, expand the study of metaphys­ics, methodology, and value systems. They cultivate pluriperspective analysis, conceptual reflexivity, and autonomous research skills, addressing topics such as theories of divinity, theodicy, moral heteronomy and autonomy, and the evolution of ethical and symbolic systems. Together, these courses articulate the central role of philosophy of religion within philosophical ed­ucation, highlight its interdisciplinary relevance, and demonstrate its importance for understanding human search for meaning across cultural, symbolic, and metaphysical domains.