Leading Educational Consultants to Watch In 2020

provided the ability to acquire sources from anywhere in the world at the touch of a button. In addition,
philosophers of religion have been able to post papers (Academia.edu) and articles online, subscribe to
journals online, and keep abreast of the latest scholarship via search engines or databases. Such databases are
invaluable for dissertation research, such as ProQuest. Other sites allow for general research for students and
teachers. One such site is the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (SEP, plato.stanford.edu). There are well
over 1000 articles written by accomplished and well-known philosophers, which are peer reviewed for the
site. The SEP boasts of many ways that it is distinct from traditional journals. For example, unlike traditional
journals, the SEP can continually update articles as the authors see fit. Also, they can write on a more
comprehensive list of topics that are not covered in traditional journals. The SEP allows for digital crossreferencing
between articles. Further, the SEP can have a broader audience than academic journals, as the
latter tend to focus on specialists in the field of study. Many of the articles in the SEP are in the area of
philosophy of religion, or relate to it. Such a digital database of topics is a great resource for students and
teachers.
Many philosophers of religion have their own websites, blogs, etc., such as Richard Howe
(richardghowe.com), William Lane Craig (reasonablefaith.com) and Edward Feser (edwardfeser.com). This
is a great way to allow students and the public to access their papers, thoughts, and to some extent the ability
to converse. Such sites, as well as sites like YouTube, allow for these philosophers to host debates, lectures,
and interviews so that students and interested persons can avail themselves of such a treasury of information
and knowledge.
With the advent and popularity of the Internet, however, there have been some negative consequences as
well. As most people know, anyone can create a website, blog, or whatever online. Professors and students
alike know of the convenience and potential dangerous effects of sites like Wikipedia.com. Because of such
sites, schools in general have imposed a rule that no more than about 10% of students’ resources can come
from the Internet. (Oftentimes this does not limit the use of sites such as the SEP, online access to academic
journals, or eBooks.) The reason for such limits is because educators do not want students pulling from just
any website. Many online have no formal training in the area in which they write or discuss. This is the case
with printed and published books as well; however, the ability to be able to write online is much easier than
having to go through a publisher. Just buy a domain name, and one can be in business. While sites can be
good for specialists to help promote and study research, as well as teach the general public or students, the
uninitiated can also make sites with no peer evaluation or formal training—much to the detriment of the
field, and to the chagrin of legitimate philosophers of religion.
Possibly the Internet’s most profound effect for philosophers of religion is online education. No longer does
one have to move to get certain degrees (especially BA and MA degrees). Now, one can study the philosophy
of religion from home. The merits (convenience) and demerits (alleged lowering of educational quality) of
such education are debated almost endlessly. What is not debated is that the Internet has changed and is
changing education in drastic ways.
For those interested in studying the most profound questions and issues of ultimate reality, the philosophy of
religion is an intriguing and fascinating area to devote one’s time and efforts. The Internet has made it much
easier to explore the issues. It has also tended to blur the lines between scholarship and ignorance. If you are
reading this and are interested in the philosophy of religion, be thankful for the advent of the Internet. But
also beware. Choose sites and schools wisely, and enjoy one of the most important and rewarding fields of
study. T R
20
OCTOBER|2020