Ed Kintner |
Mondays 12:00 - 2:00 PM |
April 4 through May 9, 2005 |
DOC House |
Since earliest recorded time humans have explained the mysteries of nature by referring to the supernatural. To do that, they developed and refined complex systems of deities and theologies culminating for Western Man in the Judeo - Christian tradition.
With the introduction of scientific methods during the Middle Ages, and with improved instruments such as the telescope and the microscope, explanations based on direct observation raised doubts about deeply held previous beliefs. The Copernican Revolution removed Earth and mankind from the center of the universe. Darwin's Theory of Evolution challenged previous certainties that homo sapiens were the creatures of an all powerful God made in His own image. Freud and subsequent depth psychologists raised questions of our own control over our thoughts and actions. Post modern philosophy now argues that in any case, there is no objective truth, scientific or religious.
Recent developments in science, especially in physics, cosmology, and biology, have caused many (including many scientists) to conclude that science alone cannot answer all the mysteries. In fact, science seems to be raising more questions than answers. More and more, scientists are seeing evidence of factors outside the natural.
With that background, this course will examine briefly, and as non-technically as practicable, the relationships among philosophy, religion, and science, beginning with the Greek philosophers, continuing through alchemy and astrology in the Middle Ages, and ending with modern physical and cosmological theory.
Are science and religion supportive or contradictory? Of course, we will not be able to answer that question definitively, but we may gain new insights through the process of studying it. Moderate reading is required and group participation is strongly encouraged.
Class is limited to 20 members.
ED KINTNER graduated from the Naval Academy and earned Master's degrees in both engineering and physics from MIT. He served in senior positions in a number of scientific development programs, including five years as Director of Fusion Development in the Energy Research and Development Administration. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and served on a number of review committees and panels of the National Research Council. He chaired the committee that organized the ILEAD summer program in 1998 and 2000.
