2005 Handbooks

The relationship between modern science and religious belief has been conceived in a number of different ways over the course of history: as warring opponents, as paths to complementary, but separate, spheres of truth, as partners in the quest to unlock the mysteries of the universe. This unit will undertake a broad survey to major topics and areas of debate which have shaped the relationship between science and religion, with special emphasis on the dialogue between science and Christianity. The first part of the unit will focus on the historical, theological, methodological and sociological factors which have shaped the interactions between science and religion in the modern world. In the second part of the unit, students will investigate particular key debates in major areas of scientific enquiry, including cosmology, astronomy, geology, physics, biology, psychology, biotechnology and environmental science. In the process, students will gain a greater understanding of the methods and assumptions of science and theology, as well as new insights into important topics of contemporary scientific and religious debate. Special attention will be given to Australian contributions to the dialogue.