Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2020 - 2021
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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. Understand the extent to which both the Galileo and the Darwin controversies have lent credence to the view that religion is opposed to, and indeed fears the progress of science (that what religion worships is the God of the gaps). 2. Grasp that truth matters (not as a consequence of belief but rather as a reason for belief), and that all beliefs should be based upon publicly observable evidence 3. Offer a critical analysis of the nature of biblical truth in the light of recent developments in science 4. Show how recent developments in evolutionary theory have provided for a sophisticated secular theory of meaning, a theory which, many would hold, renders incoherent any so-called alternative theory of intelligent design 5. Grasp the ramifications for the credibility of a theistic world view posed by the problem of what can be described as natural or existential evil, something made even more challenging by the high level of popular acceptance of a deist image of God. 6. Show an awareness of the arguments for the coherence of theism by, amongst other things, a critique of the empiricist / positivist roots of contemporary secular theories of meaning as outlined above | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Galileo and DarwinFideism and relativismTruth matters: the bible and scienceEvolution v’s contemporary Intelligent Design theoryDeism and the problem of EvilEmpiricism / positivism: from Hume to Wittgenstein | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources 26531, Podcast, 0, The Oxford Debate on Science and Religion between Rowan Williams and Richard Dawkins, February 2012, http://media.podcasts.ox.ac.uk/theofac/origins_nature/2012-02-23_dawkins.mp4?CAMEFROM=itunesu, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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