Should the way modern science understands the natural world affect our interpretation of religious experience? Should religion affect science? If so, how? In this course we explore the origins and development of religion. Next, we explore the rise of science, the evolution of our understanding of how science works, and the rise and fall of deterministic, reductionist interpretations of the natural world. We review ways in which science and religion have been related to each other historically in terms of the conventional categories of conflict, separation, dialogue and integration. We then explore similarities and differences in the goals and methods of science and religion. Finally, we explore ways in which science and religion may complement each other.

The science relevant to our explorations is presented by written materials, demonstrations, guest instructors, and animated interactive computer movies. Blackboard is used for communications and to disseminate course materials. In 2004 we again had guest instructors in both science and religion. Boston University Professor Wesley Wildman came for both a class and a public lecture, sponsored by the American Scientific Affiliation grant. Williams Professors Banta, Darrow and Dudley and Associate Rabbi Chaplain Sigma Coran also visited classes to discuss evolutionary biology, the ideas of place and the sacred in religion, Kant and Hume, and Judaism, respectively.

For more information about the course, click on the links below:

Catalog Description	2004 Syllabus	Interactive Science Movies
Guest Instructors		Representative Final Papers

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