Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
12-2003
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Department
Humanities
Committee Chair
Wiggins, Osborne P.
Subject
Religion--Philosophy; Hick, John
Abstract
This thesis is a study and critique of John Hick's pluralistic hypothesis as presented in his book "An Interpretation of Religion." I primarily focus on two issues: Hick's epistemology of religious beliefs and the pluralistic hypothesis itself. These are two separate issues, but for Hick they prove to be inextricably linked. Hick uses his epistemological stance to argue that there is an epistemological problem of religious diversity. After he argues that there is a problem, he presents his solution, i.e. the pluralistic hypothesis. After explaining these issues, my critique focuses upon the connection between the two. I first critique Hick's epistemological stance and in so doing argue that his hypothesis is unwarranted. I then argue that even if Hick's epistemological position is correct, the problem of religious diversity is much broader than Hick presents it and his hypothesis is much too limited in scope to adequately deal with the problem.
Recommended Citation
Dryden, John K. 1976-, "The problem of religious diversity : a study and critique of the philosophy of John Hick." (2003). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 374.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/374
