Philosophy, Science and Religion: Science and Philosophy

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/philosophy-science-religion-1

Introduction

### Course Review: Philosophy, Science and Religion: Science and Philosophy In today’s increasingly complex world, questions surrounding the intersection of philosophy, science, and religion have never been more pertinent. The Coursera course titled "Philosophy, Science and Religion: Science and Philosophy" probes these profound inquiries, examining whether these three disciplines are in conflict, complementary, or mutually supportive. Crafted by distinguished academics and led by Dr. Orestis Palermos, this course presents a comprehensive examination of the interrelations that shape human understanding of existence. #### Overview The course initiates with a foundational overview from Dr. Orestis Palermos, who adeptly sets the stage for a deep exploration of the three modes of thinking: philosophy, science, and religion. Each module engages participants with critical questions that challenge preconceived notions about these influential approaches toward understanding the world. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Philosophy, Science and Religion: Introduction and Overview** - Dr. Palermos introduces the foundational themes that will be explored throughout the course, creating a framework for further discussions. 2. **Neuroscience and Free Will** - Led by Professor Al Mele, this module tackles the contentious debate surrounding free will and the claims made by neuroscience. Through an examination of relevant experiments, Professor Mele not only presents the argument against free will but also offers three pivotal criticisms, fostering a balanced discussion on a question central to human agency. 3. **Are Science and Religion in Conflict?** - Dr. Michael Murray engages participants in a philosophical analysis of whether science and religion can coexist. This module is particularly thought-provoking, as it challenges participants to dissect the nature of these disciplines and their purported conflicts, utilizing philosophical tools to navigate this complex relationship. 4. **Do Scientific Claims Constitute Absolute Truths?** - In this module, Professor Martin Kusch investigates the relativism inherent in scientific claims. Participants are prompted to consider whether any scientific statements can be deemed absolute truths or are merely reflections of their originating systems, consequently questioning our understanding across philosophy and religion. 5. **Evolution and Creationism** - Dr. Mark Harris provides a historical insight into creationist beliefs, while Professor David de Pomerai elucidates the fundamentals of evolutionary biology. This module offers critical context, allowing students to grasp the nuances of ongoing debates between evolution and creationism. #### Recommendations This course is highly recommended for anyone interested in unraveling the complexities of philosophy, science, and religion. It suits a variety of learners: - **Philosophy Enthusiasts**: Individuals keen on exploring philosophical arguments surrounding free will, truth, and existence will find rich content and stimulating discussions. - **Science Aficionados**: Scientists and students of the natural sciences seeking a philosophical perspective on the implications of their work will benefit from the reflective practices encouraged in the course. - **Religion Scholars**: Those investigating the role of faith in an empirical world will encounter valuable perspectives on the compatibility of religious beliefs with scientific understanding. The interdisciplinary nature of the course cultivates an environment where students can engage in thoughtful dialogue, challenge their perspectives, and develop a nuanced understanding of complex philosophical inquiries. #### Conclusion "Philosophy, Science and Religion: Science and Philosophy" is an intellectual journey that transcends traditional boundaries, encouraging participants to think critically about fundamental questions concerning humanity's quest for knowledge. With its robust syllabus and expert faculty, this course serves as an exemplary resource for fostering insightful discourse among philosophy, science, and religion. Enroll now on Coursera to embark on a transformative exploration of these essential areas.

Syllabus

Philosophy, Science and Religion: Introduction and Overview

In this module, Dr Orestis Palermos provides a short introduction and overview of the key themes that will be discussed in the ‘Science and Philosophy’ course.

In this module Professor Al Mele presents experiments that purport to show that there is no such thing as free will. He then presents three criticisms of this interpretation of the evidence.

Guest lecturer: Dr Michael Murray. Are science and religion compatible with one another? Are they incompatible? What do these questions even mean, and how do we go about answering them? Philosophical tools are helpful to make progress with these very important questions. In this module, Dr Michael Murray offers a philosophical analysis of the complex and easily misunderstood issue of the relationship between science and religion.

Guest lecturer: Professor Martin Kusch. This module will focus on a central challenge for scientific knowledge: Are there any scientific claims that are absolutely true, or are they all true relative to the system of thought that generated them? If we accept the latter, does this also hold true of any claims we might make, including within the domains of philosophy and religion?

This module starts with Dr. Mark Harris presenting the history of creationist views and what is claimed about evolution by different creationist approaches. Professor David de Pomerai then goes on to explain what evolutionary biology is.