PHIL 2420 Science and Religion

Abstract

This course focuses on differing models for understanding the relationship between religion and science, with emphasis on how the models fare in the light of contemporary thinking in science, philosophy, and religion. Sample questions include: How does science relate to religion? Do the domains mostly conflict? Do they mostly converge? Are they separate “nonoverlapping magisteria” (as biologist Stephen Jay Gould put it) directed to different questions? How do the different models handle specific challenges to religion, such as evolutionary theory and materialism? Course objectives: It is anticipated that you will • Familiarize yourself with the various sides of each topic below and the arguments for and against each position. • Familiarize yourself with important thinkers who have addressed the topics. • Enhance your ability to construct arguments of your own, both critical and constructive. • Enhance your ability to communicate clearly, systematically, and critically. • Apply your understanding of the issues discussed in the course to concrete social challenges in both America and abroad.