Explaining and Explaining Away in Science and Religion

January 8, 2015
University of Ulster

Belfast
United Kingdom

Speakers:

Rodney Holder
Cambridge University
David Livingstone
Queen's University, Belfast
Roger Trigg
Oxford University

Organisers:

David Glass
University of Ulster
Mark McCartney
University of Ulster

Topic areas

Talks at this conference

Add a talk

Details

In discussions about the relationship between science and religion, it is sometimes argued that scientific explanations remove or undermine the need for religious explanations. Although such explanations might be logically compatible, the claim is that there is no need for two explanations when one will do. Given Occam's razor and the success of science, it is claimed that religious explanations are no longer needed for features of the world around us. Is this correct? Has science 'explained away' the need for religion? This conference will address this issue by exploring topics such as:
 
- what are the similarities and differences between scientific and religious explanations?
- can science explain away religious beliefs?
- can religious explanations complement scientific explanations?
- case studies from the history of science and religion on the above themes

Contributed papers are invited on the topics identified above (or related topics relevant to the conference theme). An extended abstract of no more than 1000 words should be submitted to Dr Shuwei Chen ([email protected]) by Friday 7 November and decisions will be made by 21 November. We will be approaching a publisher about the possibility of publishing a volume based on papers presented at the conference.


Funding is available to support travel and accommodation expenses for speakers.

The conference, which will be of interest to philosophers, scientists, theologians and historians of science, is part of a two year project on 'Explaining and Explaining Away' at the University of Ulster which is funded by the John Templeton Foundation. Details of the project can be found at: scm.ulster.ac.uk/explainingaway

Supporting material

Add supporting material (slides, programs, etc.)

Reminders

Registration

No

Who is attending?

No one has said they will attend yet.

Will you attend this event?


Let us know so we can notify you of any change of plan.