An introduction to Functionalism. Definition, explanation of multiple realisability, the Turing Test, John Searle’s Chinese Room.

I have turned some of the work of Rev. Dr Thomas Williams' entry on Anselm in the SEP into a handout. Focusses on how Anselm develops his discussions of God's impassibility, timelessness and simplicity, from his several statements of the ontological argument in Proslogion 2 and 3. Actually not as complex as it sounds! Full article found at http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/anselm/

Is the experience that some people have of God analogous to the experience that each of us has of public objects? In what respects? Swinburne's Principle of Credulity, his Four Defeating Conditions, Martin's Negative Principle of Credulity and Swinburne's Cumulative argument all discussed.

Extracts from Mill's 'Three Essays on Religion', focussing on his claim that Nature is excessively cruel. Does the amount of pain in the natural world indicate that the world is not good? Also examines Richard Dawkins' example of the Digger Wasp and his counterclaim that nature is not cruel, merely 'pitilessly indifferent'.

Dr William Lane Craig (Kalam Cosmological Argument) and Dr Ray Bradley (Possible Worlds) debate on the issue of hell. Can God be loving and just and send people to hell for ever? Do people have a choice in the matter, or are the 'doors of hell locked on the inside?' This resource contains extracts from a stimulating debate, held at Simon Fraser University.

Dr William Lane Craig (Kalam Cosmological Argument) and Dr Ray Bradley (Possible Worlds) debate the merits of eternal hell. Can God be good and send people there? Have people a free choice in the matter? Are the 'doors of hell locked from the inside?' This resource consists of extracts from the debate at Simon Fraser University.

This source article, from an business ethics website, helps candidates to apply Kantian and Virtue ethics thinking to rights and duties in the business context. Is it still cheating if it is the small guy who lets the big guy down?

'The Screwtape Letters' deal with the 'meddlesome' Boethius and his writings on divine foreknowledge. Does God know the outcome of a believer's prayers before they are asked? If so, what is the point of praying?

Many students struggle with the idea of truth in myth. These two resources explore how Marvel/ DC 'superhero' movies act as modern day myths, dealing with purpose, injustice, hope, etc. Second resource links this to Christianity - explores how C.S. Lewis was convinced by J.R.R. Tolkien that Christianity was a 'true myth'.

First published by the Christian Medical Fellowship in 1995, and written by a consultant gynaecologist, this piece is a very thoughtful exploration of the different ethical issues raised by various forms of contraception. Not from a Catholic viewpoint, but it explains the papal views on the issues and provides a helpful medical background to the risks of some contraceptive pills, especially in the 1950s. Clear explanations of 'the subtleties of contraception' including the differing effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives on younger and older women. Links to further reading in the bibliography.

Drawn from a Guardian article, this resource summarises Archbishop Welby's thinking on corporate responsibility and guilt, based on his years as an oil executive. Fascinating proposals for corporate 'humiliation' and very quotable.

Explains God’s omnibonevolence, with Scriptural support, and then the Euthypro challenge. Use of Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac and the Amalekite genocide as specific examples of possible arbitrary and tyrannical divine commands. Humanist and religious response given.

Suitable for self - learning and progression into A level RS, a booklet with a two hour section on each of Philosophy of Religion, Religion (Christianity) and Ethics. All resources mentioned in the tasks are available for free, including the Ethics book. All the links work and each section directly relates to A level course of study (most suitable for Eduquas and Edexcel exam boards). With thanks to Nikki McGee on Save RE who inspired the format and task 2.