Religious Experience and Miracles

What this unit covers

The page splits into two linked themes: religious experience and miracles. On religious experience, you will find the notes on William James, which use the PINT idea: passive, ineffable, noetic and transient. There are also notes on types of religious experience from Swinburne, and the mind map Swinburne - Veracity. On miracles, the mind maps and notes follow Hume and Wiles.

Where to start

Begin with the mind map Hume Against Miracles. It opens with the idea that a wise man proportions his belief according to the evidence, and sets Hume out as an empiricist and sceptic. Next, read Hume and Wiles Comparison. It contrasts Hume's assumption that no God breaks natural laws with Wiles's view of a God who chooses not to intervene. Then move to Wiles on Miracles, which raises questions of consistency and fairness.

Challenges to religious experience

Once you have the basics, look at the objections. Physiological Explanations looks at brain function and the neuropsychological mechanisms behind experiences. Difficulties of interpretation notes that people often describe experiences in terms of their prior faith. It is Logically Impossible to Experience God follows Kant's point that our senses only reach the empirical realm. Knowledge through intuition gives a response from the other side.

Using maps, flashcards and quizzes together

1. Read a mind map and say each branch aloud in your own words.
2. Run through a flashcard deck such as Criticisms of miracles or Verifying religious experiences.
3. Take the Miracles Quotes quiz or the Miracles quiz and note what you missed.
4. Go back to the map for those gaps.

The religious experience sample essay shows how an answer can use evidence and reasons, so it is a useful model for A-level essay practice.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the Philosophy of Religion strand of Philosophy. Pick one map, try a quiz, and then build a set of flashcards that suits the way you revise.