Science and Religion: Historical Conflicts and Resolutions
( 25 Modules )
Module #1 Introduction to Science and Religion Overview of the course, exploring the complex relationship between science and religion throughout history
Module #2 Ancient Greece:The Birth of Science and Philosophy Examining the works of ancient Greek philosophers such as Aristotle and the impact on Western thought
Module #3 The Rise of Christianity and the Decline of Classical Learning Analyzing the role of Christianity in shaping the Western intellectual tradition and the suppression of classical knowledge
Module #4 The Medieval Period:Faith and Reason Exploring the development of scholasticism and the integration of faith and reason in the works of Thomas Aquinas
Module #5 The Scientific Revolution:Copernicus, Galileo, and the Challenge to Authority Discussing the key figures and discoveries that shaped the Scientific Revolution and the response of the Church
Module #6 The Enlightenment and the Rise of Deism Examining the influence of Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire and Rousseau on the relationship between science and religion
Module #7 Darwin and Evolution:The Catalyst for Conflict Analyzing the impact of Charles Darwins theory of evolution on the relationship between science and religion
Module #8 The Scopes Trial and the Rise of Creationism Exploring the historical context and significance of the Scopes Trial and its impact on the creation-evolution debate
Module #9 Modern Science and the Problem of Evil Discussing the challenges posed by modern science to traditional religious beliefs, including the problem of evil
Module #10 Religious Responses to Modern Science Examining the various religious responses to modern science, including fundamentalism, liberal theology, and intelligent design
Module #11 The Concept of Accommodation:A Historical Analysis Analyzing the concept of accommodation, where religious beliefs are adapted to accommodate scientific discoveries
Module #12 Galileo and the Catholic Church:A Case Study Examining the historical context and significance of the Galileo affair and its relevance to the modern debate
Module #13 Islam and Science:A Historical and Contemporary Perspective Exploring the relationship between Islam and science, including the contributions of Islamic scholars and the modern challenges
Module #14 Hinduism and Science:The Vedic Tradition Analyzing the historical and philosophical relationship between Hinduism and science, including the Vedic tradition
Module #15 Buddhism and Science:The Intersection of Mind and Matter Examining the philosophical and practical connections between Buddhism and modern science
Module #16 The Ethical Implications of Science and Technology Discussing the ethical dilemmas posed by modern science and technology, including stem cell research and artificial intelligence
Module #17 The Nature of Reality:A Scientific and Religious Perspective Exploring the concept of reality from both scientific and religious perspectives, including the implications of quantum mechanics
Module #18 The Limits of Science:A Philosophical Analysis Analyzing the limitations and boundaries of scientific inquiry, including the role of philosophy in understanding the natural world
Module #19 The Role of Faith in the Scientific Enterprise Examining the role of faith and personal beliefs in the scientific process, including the concept of motivated reasoning
Module #20 Science, Religion, and the Public Sphere Discussing the role of science and religion in shaping public policy and informing political discourse
Module #21 The Future of Science and Religion:Conflict or Cooperation? Exploring the potential future directions of the science-religion dialogue, including the possibilities for cooperation and mutual enrichment
Module #22 Case Study:The Debate over Intelligent Design Analyzing the historical and philosophical context of the intelligent design movement and its implications for the science-religion dialogue
Module #23 Case Study:The Controversy over Climate Change Examining the scientific and religious dimensions of the climate change debate, including the role of VALUES and ethics
Module #24 Science, Religion, and the Media Exploring the role of media in shaping public perceptions of science and religion, including the impact of sensationalism and misinformation
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Science and Religion: Historical Conflicts and Resolutions career
