C. S. Lewis: Faith & Philosophy

Welcome to the information page for C.S. Lewis: Faith & Philosophy, a Baylor University course taught by Dr. Robert K. Garcia. Below is some basic information about Lewis and the course.  

Space is limited. Baylor students enroll HERE. Accelerate students enroll HERE.

Questions? Email Dr. Garcia at Dr_Garcia@Baylor.edu

Course Description:

  • This is an asynchronous on-line course. For each topic there are readings and accompanying videos, along with written assignments to further your understanding of Lewis’s thought and its relevance for today.

  • In this course you will explore the life and philosophy of C.S. Lewis (1898-1963), one of the most influential writers of the 20th Century.  You will consider his views on a number of philosophical topics, including:  the relationship(s) between reason, science, imagination, and faith; the evidence and arguments for and against the existence of God; the relationship between God and morality; and the nature, value, cosmic-significance, and ultimate destiny of human persons.  You will explore important philosophical ideas in Lewis’s non-fiction work, with an eye to how those ideas find expression in his fiction and poetry. 

Course Outcomes: After taking this course, students will be able to...

  • articulate a factually and philosophically informed perspective on the philosophy of C. S. Lewis.

  • summarize, explain, and analyze philosophical texts.

  • critically and charitably evaluate differing perspectives, especially on Lewis’s views concerning a number of perennial philosophical issues.

  • read, write, and communicate effectively about philosophical problems.

  • identify philosophical issues, explain the reasoning behind philosophical views and arguments, evaluate objections raised against those arguments, and formulate replies to those objections.

Required Readings:

  • C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

  • C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

  • C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

  • C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory and Other Essays

  • Paul Copan, A Little Book for New Philosophers

  • Other readings will be made available in PDF form through Canvas.

Recommended Readings:

  • C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce

  • Alister McGrath, C .S. Lewis – A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet

Assignments:

  • Reading quizzes - Open book, open note, on-line. Multiple-choice and true/false questions on the assigned readings.

  • Self-assessments and Debriefing - reflections written after and about each unit of the course

  • Faith and Reason paper: Reflections on different views on faith and reason

  • Letters to C.S. Lewis - 4 “letters” written in reply to the chapters in A Grief Observed

  • Final Exam - Open book, open note, on-line. Covers readings, lectures, and slides. Includes multiple-choice, true-false, and essay questions.