Short Course in Ireland: An Introduction to Science and Religion

Aim of Course

This short weekend course is for busy people who would like to obtain a broad introductory overview of the science-religion debate from leading speakers in the field, covering topics such as the historical background to the debate, philosophical approaches to relate science and faith, the anthropic principle, evolution, medical ethics, and scientific and theological issues surrounding natural disasters. There will be plenty of opportunity for interactions with speakers during the periods set aside for questions and discussion. It is planned that the panel discussion on the Friday evening will be chaired by William Crawley of the BBC and will be broadcast on the Sunday Sequence show from Belfast on the Sunday morning.

Speakers (listed in alphabetical order) and topics

See multimedia items for this course.

• Dr Denis Alexander : Creation or Evolution: Do We Have to Choose?
• Revd Dr Rodney Holder : Is the Universe Designed?
• David Livingstone OBE FBA: Darwin’s Forgotten Defenders
• Ernan McMullin (deceased) : Galileo and the Church
• Dr Donal O’Mathuna : Medical Ethics and What it Means to be Human
• Bob White FRS : Are Natural Disasters Acts of God?
• Stephen Williams : Science, Faith and Reason

Venue

DCU is located a short distance from Dublin city centre, Dublin Airport and the M50 and M1 motorways. The campus is bordered by Ballymun Road and Collins Avenue. Details here.

Course Schedule