By the end of the course, the student will be able to explain—orally or in writing—the issues addressed in the course and the ideas of the authors studied in relation to those themes; to compare the various theories; and to express a personal, critical perspective on the themes and authors covered.
Academic training requires a deepening of religious knowledge to avoid any disconnect between scientific education and reflection on the fundamental questions of existence. In this regard, the course will examine major Western controversies pitting science against faith, leading to an epistemological reflection on the distinct nature of each field and their potential interactions.
After a brief introduction situating the issue of the relationship between science and religion within the historical and cultural context of Western Europe, the course will examine two classic controversies in this field: the conflict between geocentrism and heliocentrism surrounding the trial of Galileo, and the conflict between evolutionism and creationism surrounding the publication of Darwin's On the Origin of Species. These two historical examples will serve as a starting point for an epistemological inquiry aimed at exploring how the religious and scientific realms might be articulated in a way that respects the specific nature and contribution of each discipline, as well as the unity of reality.
Science, faith, and religion: elements of a turbulent relationship
The Galileo affair: the interpretation of religious texts and the status of scientific theories
Darwin: creation versus evolution; approaches to texts and to the world
Epistemological opening: towards an articulation of perspectives and discourses
Lecture, note-taking, PowerPoint
Depending on the number of registered candidates, the exam will be either a written test with open-ended questions or an oral exam involving a randomly drawn question.
Useful references can be found on Webcampus.
| Training | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|
| List of cross-disciplinary teaching units | 1 | 3 | No |
| Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences | 2 | 3 | No |
| Bachelor in Economics and Management | 3 | 3 | No |
| Bachelor in Political Sciences : General | 3 | 3 | No |
| Bachelor in Information and Communication | 3 | 3 | No |
| Bachelor in Business Engineering | 3 | 3 | No |