February "Knowing God Exists" Meetup

Hi friends,

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/c/f/c/event_90675612.jpegFor February we are eager to have Professor Paul Pardi from Seattle Pacific University come and speak on the knowledge of God's existence. Paul's talk will focus on the philosophy of Dr. Alvin Plantinga of Notre Dame University who argues that even though faith is not based on evidence commonly construed, it can be considered as justified as any other belief. He will explore the claims in Plantinga's brand new book Where the Conflict Really Lies. Plantinga attacks the notion that scientific knowledge (that is, knowledge of physical things grounded on evidence from the five senses) is the only type of valid knowledge and will argue that much of what we know is not grounded in this way (including religious knowledge). Paul will briefly survey the arguments Plantinga uses to support this position and look at its common criticisms.

Paul Pardi holds a BA in Theology and an MA in Philosophy from Biola University in California. He has taught philosophy at Seattle Pacific University and Green River Community College for over twelve years. He has taught dozens of classes and seminars across the country with titles like "What is Religious Knowledge?" and "The New Atheism." He is the publisher of the popular website Philosophy News (http://www.philosophynews.com/), and has interviewed various philosophers and theologians for the site like Alvin Plantinga, C. Stephen Evans, and Paul Moser. As a professor, Paul has taught classes in metaphysics, ancient philosophy, early modern thought, and others. He focuses most of his research on religious epistemology (knowledge about God and religion). He lives in the Seattle area with his wife, three kids, and a Yorkshire Terrier named Linus.

Question/answer period to follow, with table discussions to finish out the evening.

7:30pm at Piecoras backroom! See you soon!

Simon