Difficult Dialogues: Science and Religion

Catalog description

How do science and religion affect our everyday lives? For most of us the phrase “science and religion” calls to mind abstract debates over the nature of the universe, the existence of God, or the nature of humanity. And while these topics have fascinated intellectual elites for centuries, they can seem far removed from the experiences of most people in the present day. This is a Difficult Dialogues course which examines the relationship between science and religion, and the intimate and communal lives of people globally and throughout history. We consider how these knowledge systems have been defined in the context of global colonialism and empire and ask how they continue to shape expectations for political engagement, intimate relationships, and identity. Topics include secularism, sexual ethics, immigration, environmental protection, and healthcare.