Science and Religion: Contemporary Perspectives
CTMP3201.03W
This course examines encounters between science and religion from Creationism, Darwinism and "heat death" in the nineteenth century to the religious dimensions of quantum mechanics, the Big Bang, the anthropic principle, medical science, bioethics, evolutionary psychology, chaos theory, aesthetics in nature, artificial intelligence (AI), science fiction and extra-terrestrial life (including SETI).
DESCRIPTION
Beginning with an overview of the history and methodology of the study of science and religion, encounters between science and religion are traced from the rise of Darwinism in the early nineteenth century to the contemporary postmodern age. From an examination of nineteenth century “Scriptural geology” and the religious impact of Darwin’s Origin of Species (1859), this course moves on to such contemporary topics as the religious dimensions of quantum mechanics, the Big Bang, the anthropic principle, medical science, bioethics, evolutionary psychology, chaos theory, aesthetics in nature, science fiction and extra-terrestrial life (including SETI). Case studies of “conflict” emanating from Darwinism, the Scopes Trial and the on-going Creation-Evolution debates are contrasted with examples of harmony and interdependence between science
and religion in the careers of 19th and 20th century scientists, along with phenomena like the new Intelligent Design (ID) movement. The religious scope of the course is intentionally wide-ranging, and examinations of science-religion interaction within native American, African and New Age spirituality are added to treatments of traditional eastern and western religion. Special features include a focus on primary texts, the use of film and guest lectures by scientists.
Cross-listing: HSTC3201.03, RELS3201.03, HIST3076.03
TIMETABLE
Lecture
TR 4:05 - 5:25
REGISTER NOW
Login to Dal Online
Registration services, such as checking your registration status, adding or dropping classes and viewing fees, your class schedule, your final grades and the academic timetable, are available on Dal Online. If you have any difficulties registering for courses, please contact the Registrar's Office.
READING LIST
