Prof.dr. W.B. Drees – Philosophy of Religion

Position:
  • Full Professor Philosophy of Religion
Expertise:
  • Philosophy of religion, theology and natural sciences, religious pluralism


Telephone number: +31 (0)71 527 1628
E-Mail: w.b.drees@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Faculty / Department: Faculteit der Geesteswetenschappen, Leids Instituut Godsdienstwetenschappen
Office Address: Lipsiusgebouw
Cleveringaplaats 1
2311 BD Leiden
Room number 302
Personal Homepage: www.drees.nl
www.drees.nl


As a philosopher of religion I like to work at the interface between empirical and historical studies of religion, which tend to treat religion in functional terms, and religious self-understanding, which tends to focus on ideas (theology) as claims about the nature of reality, often in competition with scientific understandings of reality. I am particularly interested in the impact of science and technology on our values and world views. Debates dealing with the relationship between science and religion (e.g. debates over evolution, the Galileo affair, etc.) are better understood, in my opinion, as instances of an ongoing competition between various religious and naturalistic views, values and attitudes. Other research interests are naturalism and religious pluralism. A further major research interest is philosophy of science in the context of religious studies. How can we best study religion? How to distinguish sense and nonsense in religion and about religion?

Selected publications

  • (2004) Willem B. Drees, "Where to look for guidance? On the nature of 'religion and science'", Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science 39: 367-378.
  • (2003) Is Nature Ever Evil? Religion, Science and Value, Willem B. Drees (ed.), Routledge.
  • (2002) Willem B. Drees, Creation: From Nothing until Now, Routledge / (1996) Van Niets tot Nu: Een wetenschappelijke scheppingsvertelling, Kok.
  • (1996) Willem B. Drees, Religion, Science and Naturalism Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 314 pp. 1972, 1983
  • (1990) Willem B. Drees, Beyond the Big Bang: Quantum Cosmologies and God, La Salle: Open Court.

Last Modified: 09-10-2009