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Philosophy, Science and Religion: Religion and Science

Approx. 26 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course explores the relationship between philosophy, science, and religion, and how they intersect in various ways. It aims to provide a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and our place in it.

Key Learning Points

Gain a better understanding of the intersection between philosophy, science, and religion
Explore various perspectives on the relationship between these fields
Learn how these perspectives can impact our understanding of reality and our place in the world

Learning Outcomes

Understand the relationship between philosophy, science, and religion
Develop critical thinking skills
Gain a deeper understanding of the nature of reality

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic understanding of philosophy, science, and religion
Willingness to engage in critical thinking and analysis

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

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Description

Philosophy, Science and Religion mark three of the most fundamental modes of thinking about the world and our place in it. Are these modes incompatible? Put another way: is the intellectually responsible thing to do to ‘pick sides’ and identify with one of these approaches at the exclusion of others? Or, are they complementary or mutually supportive? As is typical of questions of such magnitude, the devil is in the details. For example, it is important to work out what is really distinctive about each of these ways of inquiring about the world. In order to gain some clarity here, we’ll be investigating what some of the current leading thinkers in philosophy, science and religion are actually doing.

This course, entitled ‘Religion and Science’, is the third of three related courses in our Philosophy, Science and Religion Online series. The course will address five themes, each presented by an expert in the area. 1. Science, Religion, and the Origin of the Universe (Professor Tim Maudlin, NYU ) 2. Buddhism and Science (Professor Graham Priest, CUNY) 3. Evolution and Design (Dr Kevin Scharp, St Andrews) 4. Sin Suffering and Salvation: Evolutions Thorny Issues (Dr Bethany Sollereder, Oxford) 5. Human Uniqueness in Science, Theology, and Ethics (Professor David Clough, Chester) The first and second courses in the Philosophy, Science and Religion series, 'Science and Philosophy' and 'Philosophy and Religion' were launched in 2017 and you can sign up to these at any time. It is not necessary to have completed these courses to follow this course. However, completing all three courses will give you a broader understanding of this fascinating topic. Look for: • Philosophy, Science and Religion I: Science and Philosophy - https://www.coursera.org/learn/philosophy-science-religion-1 • Philosophy, Science and Religion II: Philosophy and Religion - https://www.coursera.org/learn/philosophy-science-religion-2 Upon successful completion of all three courses, students will: (1) Understand the main parameters at stake in the current debate between science and religion. (2) Have some familiarity with the relevant areas of science that feature in the debate—including cosmology, evolution, and the neurosciences—and will have begun to engage with them conceptually. (3) Have encountered key philosophical approaches to the interface between science and religion, and will have had the opportunity to engage them in practice. (4) Have embarked constructively in cross-disciplinary conversations. (5) Have demonstrated an openness to personal growth through a commitment to dialogue across intellectual and spiritual boundaries. You can also follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EdiPhilOnline and you can follow the hashtag #psrmooc

Outline

Introduction to the Course
Introduction with Mark Harris
About this course
Course assessments and exercises
Course Textbook

Science, Religion and the Origins of the Universe
The Origins of the Cosmos: Religious Accounts
The Origins of the Cosmos: Philosophical Accounts
The Origins of the Cosmos: Scientific Accounts
The Structure of the Universe
The End of the Universe
Structure and Design
What provides a better explanation for the origin of the universe: science or religion?
Quiz on lecture 1
Quiz on lecture 2
Quiz on lecture 3
Quiz on lecture 4
Quiz on lecture 5

BUDDHISM AND SCIENCE
The History and Geography of Buddhism
Some Basic Buddhist Ideas: The Four Noble Truths
Buddhist Atheism and Scientific Naturalism
Buddhist Anātman and the Scientific View of a Person
Some Aspects of Western Logic
The Buddhist Catuṣkoṭi
Emptiness (Śūnyatā)
Quantum Mechanics and Entanglement
Graham Priest Interview
Contradiction
Catuskoti
Nāgārjuna
Quantum Entanglement
To learn more about this topic!

EVOLUTION AND DESIGN
Introduction
Argument for Intelligent Design
Arguments Against Intelligent Design
Scientific Theories
Religious Doctrines
Compatibility Between Religious Doctrine and Scientific Theory
Bigger Issues: Compatibility Between Teleology and Scientific Theory
Criticisms of the Fine Tuning Argument
Darwin and Design
Quiz on lecture 1
Quiz on lecture 2
Quiz on lecture 3
Quiz on lecture 4
Quiz on lecture 5
Quiz on lecture 7
Quiz on lecture 8

SIN, SUFFERING AND SALVATION: EVOLUTION’S THORNY ISSUES
Introduction
The Traditional Account and the Cosmological Fall
The Only Way – A Package Deal
The Second Challenge
Original Sin & Being Made in the Image of God
Is there Any Place for God
Evolution, Suffering, and the Creative Love of God
The purpose of dinosaurs: Extinction and the goodness of God
Quiz on lecture 2
Quiz on lecture 3
Quiz on lecture 4
Quiz on lecture 5
Quiz on lecture 6

HUMAN UNIQUENESS IN SCIENCE, THEOLOGY AND ETHICS
Are we alone in the Universe?
Where did we come from?
Are we just animals?
Is this a theological problem?
Does this Have ethical implications
Conclusion
The Great Debate: Learning more
Videos of animal capacities
All God's creatures: Reading Genesis on human and nonhuman animals
Not a Not-Animal: The Vocation to Be a Human Animal Creature
Consuming Animal Creatures: The Christian Ethics of Eating Animals
David Clough - Mirroring Narcissus: The Pursuit of Human Uniqueness as Species - Level Narcissism
Animals and the Kingdom of God
Congratulations on finishing the course!
Quiz on lesson 1
Quiz on lesson 2

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the intersection of philosophy, science and religion in this thought-provoking course on Coursera. Students loved the engaging lectures and discussions, while also appreciating the diverse perspectives and insights presented by the instructors.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course offers a unique opportunity to explore the connections between philosophy, science, and religion.

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging lectures that keep students interested and motivated to learn
Instructors provide diverse perspectives on the topic, which enriches the learning experience
Discussions with fellow students help deepen understanding of the subject matter
Course is well-structured and easy to follow

Cons from User Reviews

Some students found the course to be too broad and wished for more depth in certain areas
Occasional technical difficulties with the online platform
Limited interaction with instructors
Assignments and quizzes can be challenging

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