Philosophy 214 - RELIGION/CONTEMP SCIENCE

This course examines resonances between religion and contemporary scientific understandings of the world. Topics include new arguments for and against the existence of God based on current physics and biology; scientific explanations of religious experience and the ubiquity of religious practice; the "new atheism" of authors such as Richard Dawkins, Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Daniel Dennett; whether theories such as intelligent design qualify as science; and whether those who believe in God and miracles can accept current scientific theories. Prerequisite: one course in philosophy, religion, logic, or the sciences or permission of the instructor. (E)