MPYE-010 IGNOU Handwritten Assignment 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview for MPYE-010: Philosophy of Religion

MPYE-010: Philosophy of Religion is a core course under the IGNOU CBCS curriculum for the Master of Arts in Philosophy (MAPY), designed to critically examine the conceptual foundations, philosophical arguments, and existential implications of religious belief systems. This course explores foundational questions such as the nature of divine existence, the problem of evil, the rationality of faith, and the philosophical distinctions between theistic and non-theistic worldviews. Through structured academic analysis, students engage with primary texts, metaphysical debates, and ethical frameworks to develop a nuanced understanding of how philosophy interacts with religious thought, ensuring a rigorous and interdisciplinary approach to religious inquiry. The syllabus is meticulously structured to align with the School of Interdisciplinary Studies’ academic rigor, offering a balanced blend of historical perspectives and contemporary philosophical discourse. It equips students with the tools to evaluate religious claims through logical reasoning, empirical scrutiny, and philosophical critique, fostering both critical thinking and intellectual humility.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Block-1: Introduction to Philosophy of Religion: This block establishes the foundational principles of the discipline, covering the definition and scope of philosophy of religion, its historical evolution, and the distinction between philosophical theology and religious studies. Students explore key methodologies, including natural theology, phenomenology of religion, and the role of philosophical analysis in religious discourse.
• Block-2: Foundations of Religion: Focuses on the ontological and epistemological underpinnings of religious belief, including the existence of God, the argument from design, and the cosmological argument. It also examines the role of revelation, scripture, and religious experience as sources of religious knowledge, while critically assessing their philosophical validity.
• Block-3: Atheism / A-Theism: Delves into the philosophical critiques of theism, analyzing prominent atheistic arguments such as those presented by Hume, Nietzsche, and modern existentialists. The block contrasts atheism with a-theism, exploring non-theistic perspectives that reject both theism and traditional conceptions of God, while evaluating their philosophical coherence and ethical implications.
• Block-4: Theism: Investigates the philosophical defenses of theistic belief, including the moral argument, the argument from religious experience, and the problem of evil. This block also examines the philosophical theology of key thinkers such as Aquinas, Leibniz, and modern analytic philosophers, providing a comprehensive overview of theistic metaphysics and its challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the marking scheme for the MPYE-010 assignment, and how many marks are allocated to each question?
A: The MPYE-010 assignment carries a total of 30 marks, with each question typically allocated 10 marks. The marking scheme follows a structured evaluation of logical coherence, philosophical depth, and adherence to the prescribed question parameters, as outlined in the official IGNOU assignment guidelines.

Q: What are the minimum pass marks required for the MPYE-010 course, and how does the assignment contribute to the final grade?
A: The minimum pass marks for MPYE-010 are 40 out of 100, with the assignment contributing 30 marks to the total evaluation. The remaining 70 marks are derived from the term-end examination, which assesses both theoretical understanding and critical analysis of the course content.