PHIL 2660

I took this class my first semester at UVA, and it was an incredible way to start my college career. This class challenged my mind to work in ways that ultimately made me a better thinker. Merricks is fantastic, cool, funny, and pretty much succeeds in learning the names of all 60 of his students. The subject matter is super interesting (coming from someone who's interested in philosophy - but I would think anyone would find it interesting as long as you don't hate philosophy). The "Religion" aspect refers mainly to the study of philosophical/empirical/rational arguments for and against the existence of God.

There are weekly readings that can be helpful to do, but the only grades come from 3 equally weighted exams. It's super important to go to every class and take detailed notes - the exams ask you about the arguments discussed in lecture. The tests were definitely hard, but he gives you a study guide a couple weeks before and if you're able to fill those out and understand them, you'll be fine. Everyone also makes study groups so I'd definitely recommend joining one.

Wow, if you can take a class with a Professor before you leave UVA, take one with Merricks. He makes lecture very entertaining and engaging, I would always look forward to coming to this class. He welcomes students to raise their own objections and think for themselves. This was one of the most rewarding classes I have ever taken--I had to put in a ton of work but it was very intellectually gratifying. Also the hardest I've ever worked in a class, but I managed to get an A, largely because the instructions are well given and the instructors are so helpful and kind. My TA Ms. Oakley was so awesome, also very funny and engaging. This is a great class also if you aren't a philosophy major because it is an overview basically of a bunch of topics in religion. If you are a philosophy major you should definitely take this class for an elective credit!

This class is 3 midterm exams each worth 33% of your grade. Each exam is 3 "essay" questions asking for very specific info from lecture. Prof Merricks gives you a study guide of 20 questions and then picks 3. You can bring your answers to the TA and Merricks and they will tell you if your answer is wrong and tell you the right answer. You can definitely get an A if you pay attention in class, take good notes, and thoroughly do the study guides. You do not have to do the outside readings.

With that being said the class is not an "easy" A in the sense you can just guess on the exams and not really put in effort throughout the semester. You have to go to every lecture and pay attention and study. But if you do try you know exactly what you need to do to get an A and it's straightforward. So it's an easy A if you try. (For reference, I got an A)

Prof Merricks is incredible. So personable, so knowledgable, and so good at boiling stuff down to main points that are easy to understand. Incredibly organized; every lecture is very well structured. He's a professional.

The class content consists of the ontological, cosmological, and evolutionary/naturalist arguments for/against the existence of God, the problem of evil, the problem of free will, and life and death. It doesn't go into specific religions but instead the idea of theism as a whole.

I loved the class and reccomend to anyone who wants to put in effort.

Merricks is the absolute best professor I've had at UVA, hands down. He makes an effort to learn student names, build relationships, and genuinely cares about his students as much as he cares about metaphysics. He teaches without slides, so be ready to take notes, and write down specific examples that he mentions in class for the exam. I had three exams - I personally totally flopped on the first but he curves it nicely, and I went from an F on the first exam to an A overall in the class. Get yourself a study group with the people at your table before exams and ask TAs for help when you need it. #bigfootatheist

Most of the reviews of this class are pretty accurate. Lecture is very interesting, and Merricks is a great lecturer. Your grade is from 3 assessments, each of which you will get the list of possible questions beforehand, and will have to memorize the answers to pretty much exactly. So, lecture is crucial for doing well in the class, but it is also very interesting. I would definitely recommend the class. #tCFFF24