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The University of Edinburgh

Philosophy, Science and Religion: Religion and Science

Philosophy, Science and Religion mark three of the most fundamental modes of thinking about the world and our place in it. Are these modes incompatible? Put another way: is the intellectually responsible thing to do to ‘pick sides’ and identify with one of these approaches at the exclusion of others? Or, are they complementary or mutually supportive? As is typical of questions of such magnitude, the devil is in the details. For example, it is important to work out what is really distinctive about each of these ways of inquiring about the world. In order to gain some clarity here, we’ll be investigating what some of the current leading thinkers in philosophy, science and religion are actually doing. This course, entitled ‘Religion and Science’, is the third of three related courses in our Philosophy, Science and Religion Online series. The course will address five themes, each presented by an expert in the area. 1. Science, Religion, and the Origin of the Universe (Professor Tim Maudlin, NYU ) 2. Buddhism and Science (Professor Graham Priest, CUNY) 3. Evolution and Design (Dr Kevin Scharp, St Andrews) 4. Sin Suffering and Salvation: Evolutions Thorny Issues (Dr Bethany Sollereder, Oxford) 5. Human Uniqueness in Science, Theology, and Ethics (Professor David Clough, Chester) The first and second courses in the Philosophy, Science and Religion series, 'Science and Philosophy' and 'Philosophy and Religion' were launched in 2017 and you can sign up to these at any time. It is not necessary to have completed these courses to follow this course. However, completing all three courses will give you a broader understanding of this fascinating topic. Look for: • Philosophy, Science and Religion I: Science and Philosophy - https://www.coursera.org/learn/philosophy-science-religion-1 • Philosophy, Science and Religion II: Philosophy and Religion - https://www.coursera.org/learn/philosophy-science-religion-2 Upon successful completion of all three courses, students will: (1) Understand the main parameters at stake in the current debate between science and religion. (2) Have some familiarity with the relevant areas of science that feature in the debate—including cosmology, evolution, and the neurosciences—and will have begun to engage with them conceptually. (3) Have encountered key philosophical approaches to the interface between science and religion, and will have had the opportunity to engage them in practice. (4) Have embarked constructively in cross-disciplinary conversations. (5) Have demonstrated an openness to personal growth through a commitment to dialogue across intellectual and spiritual boundaries. You can also follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EdiPhilOnline and you can follow the hashtag #psrmooc Learners can apply for Financial Aid directly with Coursera to assist with the cost of accessing the full course and gaining a certificate for successfully completing the course.

Status: Biology
Status: Anthropology
BeginnerCourse27 hours

Featured reviews

BF

4.0Reviewed Dec 28, 2020

A very wide subject for one course. Perhaps it needs more modules or to be split into more courses. But interesting as an intro

DR

4.0Reviewed Jul 6, 2022

Interesting subject, generally well-presented. Some presenters better than others and a bit too much of simple talking heads.

CS

5.0Reviewed Apr 6, 2022

I never had the opportunity to attend college and at 59 this was an exciting class to take.

MP

4.0Reviewed Jun 15, 2020

This was a very difficult course for me due to the nature of the subject. However, Dr. Priest did an excellent job explaining the concepts so that I could follow along. Well done.

II

5.0Reviewed Mar 13, 2022

Fun and explorative. I like the questions the best, fyi, and resonding to other people's writing.

TC

4.0Reviewed Aug 13, 2018

A good course that offers some helpful insights that are not immediately obvious to lay people.

RH

5.0Reviewed Dec 11, 2022

I enjoyed learning about different religions and the different sciene therorys.

SR

5.0Reviewed Jul 8, 2024

Excellent Course, Learn a lot. Thanks to all the faculties.

FA

5.0Reviewed Oct 9, 2020

AN EXCELLENT COURSE THAT COVERS THESE ISSUES EXTREMELY WELL.

MS

5.0Reviewed Dec 22, 2023

I've gained so much insight from other peer group members and been taught new ways in life

AL

5.0Reviewed Feb 17, 2026

Fascinating study of science and religion, including from factual and ethical perspectives.

SI

5.0Reviewed Dec 22, 2020

Great course! Very interesting and thought provoking.

All reviews

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