Aim of Course
This short week-end course is for physicists who want to explore the philosophical, theological and ethical implications of certain ideas in physics. With world renowned experts we shall be exploring fundamental questions of human existence which arise out of cosmology and differing interpretations of relativity and quantum mechanics. Application areas examined include nanotechnology and climate change.
Speakers (listed in alphabetical order) and topics
See multimedia items for this course.
- Andrew Briggs : Nanotechnology
- Dr Peter Bussey : Multiverses
- Chris Isham : Relativity, Quantum Theory & Determinism
- Gerard Nienhuis : Interpretation of Quantum Theory & Theology
- Don Page : Quantum Cosmology and Theology
- Revd Dr John Polkinghorne KBE FRS: God and Quantum Theory
- Bob White FRS : Environment
Venue
The conference will be held in Murray Edwards College, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DF.
Murray Edwards (formerly New Hall), a modern and friendly college for women, provides excellent conference facilities with good access. The college is set in 11 acres of wooded grounds with informal lawns and gardens.
You can find more information about Murray Edwards here.
For maps and directions click here.
Course Schedule
| Friday May 18 | |
| 6.00 pm | Arrival |
| 6.45 pm | Dinner |
| 7.45 pm | Introduction |
| 8.00 pm | Revd Dr John Polkinghorne: Why is Physics Possible? |
| 9.00 pm | Questions and Discussion |
| 9.30 pm | Drinks Reception – Getting to Know You |
|
Saturday May 19 |
|
| 8.00 am | Breakfast |
| 9.00 am | Prof. Chris Isham: Dialogue: Can God Know the Future? Reflections on the Block Universe |
| 9.30 am | Revd Dr John Polkinghorne: Dialogue: Can God Know the Future? Reflections on the Block Universe |
| 10.00 am | Questions and Discussion |
| 10.30 am | Coffee Break |
| 11.00 am | Revd Dr John Polkinghorne: Quantum Theory, Critical Realism and Religious Belief |
| 12.00 pm | Questions and Discussion |
| 1.00 pm | Lunch |
| 2.00 pm | Prof. Chris Isham: Quantum Theory and Being |
| 3.00 pm | Questions and Discussion |
| 3.30 pm | Tea Break |
| 4.00 pm | Prof. Gerard Nienhuis: Interpretations of Quantum Theory and their Theological Implications |
| 5.00 pm | Questions and Discussion |
| 5.30 pm | Prof. Andrew Briggs: And Information Has Become Physical |
| 6.30 pm | Questions and Discussion |
| 7.00 pm | Gala Dinner |
| 8.30 pm | Panel Discussion with 4 Speakers Questions and Discussion |
| 10.00 pm | Bar and more Discussion |
|
Sunday May 20 |
|
| 8.00 am | Breakfast |
| 9.00 am | Dr Peter Bussey: Physical Infinities: A Substitute for God |
| 10.00 am | Questions and Discussion |
| 10.30 am | Coffee Break |
| 11.00 am | Prof. Don Page: Quantum Cosmology and Its Implications for Theology |
| 12.00 pm | Questions and Discussion |
| 1.00 pm | Lunch |
| 2.00 pm | Prof. Bob White FRS: The Challenge of Global Climate Change |
| 3.00 pm | Questions and Discussion |
| 3.30 pm | Concluding Remarks |
| 3.35 pm | Tea Break |
| 4.00 pm | Depart |