Module Specifications
Academic Year 2026 - 2027
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Description This module is designed to introduce students to core themes that highlight the ever-changing interface between religion and science. In particular, we’ll focus on the historical narrative in tandem with contemporary debates. Classical figures such as Galileo, Descartes, Newton and Darwin will be read and discussed. After Darwin, theological approaches to science evolve, especially in the twentieth-century, with important voices emerging such as Teilhard de Chardin and Alfred North Whitehead; finally, contemporary trajectories shall fall within our purview, such as those evolutionists who submit Christianity to radical critique, known as the “New Atheists” (Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. 1. Understand the extent to which historical issues (such as the Galileo and the Darwin controversies) have lent credence to the view that religion is opposed to, and indeed fears the progress of science 2. 2. Offer a critical analysis of notions of biblical truth and other religious truth claims in the light of recent developments in science 3. 3. Show how recent developments in evolutionary theory have provided for a sophisticated secular theory of meaning 4. Grasp the ramifications for the credibility of a theistic worldview posed by the problem of natural or existential evil, something made even more challenging by the high level of popular acceptance of a deist image of God. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Indicative Content and Learning Activities - Galileo and Darwin - Fideism and relativism - Truth matters: the bible and science - Evolution vs contemporary Intelligent Design theory - Deism and the problem of Evil - Empiricism / positivism: from Hume to Wittgenstein | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||