Online Philosophy Course
A Simpler Way to Learn About Philosophy of Religion and the Problem of Evil
Do you want to enrich your understanding of philosophy of religion and the problem of evil, and bring new depth to your life?
Traditionally, access to learning philosophy has been limited by barriers such as expensive college or university programs, or lengthy online courses that require independent completion—often leaving learners feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. Without accessible options, many miss out on discovering how philosophy can inspire more authentic, engaged, and joyful living. Our microlearning course, The Problem of Evil, is designed to change that. We make it easy and quick to grasp key ideas, helping you succeed as a learner and benefit from philosophy’s practical insights in your life.
Microlearning is an innovative, lesser-known approach to studying philosophy that can significantly enhance your success. Using the proven framework of SMART goals, this method structures your learning into clear, achievable steps, enabling you to build knowledge progressively and with ease.
Course Overview
This course invites learners to explore the fascinating challenge posed by the problem of evil in philosophy of religion. Over six weeks, you’ll examine key philosophical questions about evil, its connection to divine attributes, and how these issues shape both personal beliefs and broader discussions of meaning and justice. With brief, targeted lessons and reflective activities, the course is designed to foster understanding and personal growth.
Course Audience
This introductory-level philosophy course is designed for anyone with an interest in philosophy, regardless of prior experience. It’s perfect for a general audience seeking to explore profound ideas in an approachable and engaging format.
Key Learning Objectives
- Develop an understanding of the problem of evil and its significance in philosophy.
- Analyze various philosophical arguments and responses, including theodicies and defenses.
- Reflect on personal and societal implications of evil and suffering.
Course Delivery
This six-week course follows a microlearning model to ensure a manageable and effective educational experience. Each week, you’ll gain access to a concise 5–10 minute video lesson, along with a reflective journaling prompt to deepen your understanding through personal application.
Course Description
Lessons
Lesson 1 — Introduction to the Problem of Evil
Lesson 2 — The Logical Problem of Evil
Lesson 3 — The Evidential Problem of Evil
Lesson 4 — Theodicies and Defenses
Lesson 5 — Evil and Alternative Views of God
Lesson 6 — Personal Reflections and Broader Implications
Course Overview and Benefits
This six-week course, PL 118 The Problem of Evil, offers a compelling exploration of one of the most profound topics in the philosophy of religion. Specifically tailored for a general audience, the course seeks to deconstruct complex ideas and make them accessible, relevant, and applicable to everyday life. Through carefully curated lessons and practical exercises, students will develop both an intellectual grasp of the subject and a personal connection to its themes.
The course begins by introducing the central philosophical challenge of the problem of evil, which questions how the existence of evil can be reconciled with belief in an all-powerful and wholly good God. From there, learners will explore two classic philosophical approaches to this issue: the logical problem of evil, which examines whether the existence of God and evil are logically incompatible, and the evidential problem of evil, which considers whether the presence of evil makes belief in God improbable. These foundational lessons culminate in in-depth discussions of major responses to the problem, such as theodicies (including the free will defense and soul-making theodicy) and alternative conceptions of divinity.
Designed with a microlearning format, this course ensures that topics are introduced incrementally, through highly focused weekly lessons that allow students to absorb material without feeling overwhelmed. Each week’s lesson includes a guided journaling activity, encouraging students to think critically and connect philosophical ideas to their own experiences. This combination of intellectual engagement and personal reflection fosters deeper learning and promotes a holistic understanding of the concepts.
The course also takes philosophy beyond the abstract, examining how the problem of evil interacts with contemporary societal issues, personal faith, and our search for meaning in times of suffering. By combining theoretical discussions with practical applications, The Problem of Evil empowers learners to integrate philosophical tools into their everyday lives, nurturing a sense of curiosity, compassion, and resilience.
Whether you are a curious thinker drawn to life’s big questions or someone looking to deepen your understanding of philosophy’s real-world relevance, this course offers a unique and valuable learning opportunity. Through its innovative structure and rich content, The Problem of Evil provides students with the tools to grapple with profound questions, enhance their critical thinking skills, and gain insights that can transform the way they engage with the world.