Religion, Science and Technology

Research in the multiple interactions between religions and the natural sciences and technology.

• Project PQRS: Problems and Questions in Religion and Science (Drees)

Leader: Willem B. Drees (professor Philosophy of religion and ethics)

The natural sciences have a major impact on our knowledge of nature and on ideas about the nature of knowledge. Technology reshapes our world, and thereby changes our sense of dependence and power. The many-facets of the impact of the natural sciences and technology on religious beliefs and practices are studied in this programme, disciplinary situated in the area of philosophy of religion and ethics.

Project PQRS: Problems and Questions in Religion and Science (Drees)

Currently, research focuses on problems, on the questions posed (and not posed), and on criteria we use to evaluate proposals. Original, relative to much of the existing literature in the field will be that the focus is on such aspects rather than on solutions, as most authors come to present and defend a particular view of the issues themselves. Furthermore, characteristic of the approach taken here are the emphasis on:
 

• the dissimilarity of religion and science;
• the consideration of ‘religion and science’ as apologetics for science;
• the interest in the combination of insider and outsider perspectives in religion, in science, and in religion-and-science; and
• ‘religion and science’ as the use of science in intra-religious competitions.