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Books Related to An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion Brian Davies - ISBN: 0199263477
Neither Superficial Nor Subjective - Rated
Intended as an introductory text for undergraduates and the general reader, Davies' book provides a broad and balanced account of philosophy of religion as practiced in the analytic tradition in America and the United Kingdom. The topics covered are those that are likely to be encountered by an undergraduate undertaking a first course: analysis of the monotheistic concept of divinity, arguments for the existence of God, miracles, the nature of religious language etc. The exclusion of Eastern religions and philosophy thus reflects the anglo-american academic tradition (if the is a charge of eurocentrism to me made, it seems unfair to level it at Davies: he is well aware of the material he chooses not to cover). Arguments are placed in the context of various traditions in Western philosophy, and are developed in sufficient depth to allow beginners to appreciate the complexity of the issues raised. The result is neither superfical nor subjective: OUP is to be congratulated in taking this excellent text book to a third edition.
Superficial and subjective - Rated
This book would only be useful to students with little or no critical ability. Although Davies purports to provide an overview of the main philosophical questions in religion, the book is entirely Eurocentric and neglects any consideration of Eastern religions and philosophical traditions, an area of study which would provide an essential complement to a book such as this. The discussion is almost exclusively focussed upon the Judeo-Christian tradition, frequently referring to 'God', 'morality', 'good' and 'evil' but with no attempt to explore or define those fundamental concepts. While the author does raise some good questions in a devil's advocate style, I did not find this helpful as it leaves too many questions open for the sake of ambiguity rather than attempting to locate the arguments within a philsophical discourse. The result is an argumentative and superficial reading.
Still the most accessible and cogent insight into the big Qs - Rated
As a raw undergrad., Davies was a life-saver, giving me a relatively unwordy, yet insightful synopsis and commentary on all the major fundamental questions. Each chapter deals with the issues whether it be theodicy, or each of the classical theisitc arguments (and their modern variations) with economy and clarity. The latest text now serves as an excellent introduction for my A'Level students.
