136-260 God and the Natural Sciences

Available at second and third year, except in science (second year only). For science third year credit see 136-360 God and the Natural Sciences (Science 3).

Usually 75 points of first year study across any discipline area.

This subject studies the complex relationship between religion, theology, and the natural sciences. Theological concerns guided the science of Kepler, Newton and many other early scientists. They held that studying the Universe demonstrated the attributes of God. After Darwin, this view was replaced by radically different ones: to some science and religion are necessarily antagonistic, to others they belong to different realms. We examine this change, the reasoning (good and bad) behind it and its residues, including some modern debates: 'Anthropic Principle', multiple universes, and such scientific/philosophical issues such as 'Why are the laws of nature what they are?' Finally, we explore the relationship between the 'personal God' of religious experience and the 'philosophers' God' posited to explain facts about the natural world.

• develop skills in written and oral communication;

• conduct independent research;

• make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument;

• form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.

Written work totalling 4000 words comprising one 750 word paper 19% (due week 5); one 1250 word paper 31% (due week 8); and one 2000 word final paper 50% (due during the examination period).