God and the Natural Sciences

Subject 136-260 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points:

12.500

Level:

Undergraduate

Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.

Pre-teaching Period Start	not applicable
Teaching Period	not applicable
Assessment Period End	not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol	not applicable
Census Date	not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail	not applicable

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.

Time Commitment:

Contact Hours: Between 10-12 weekly tutorials and between 20-24 lectures, normally two lectures per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available

Prerequisites:

Usually 75 points of first year study across any discipline area.

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

 CoordinatorTo be advised 

Subject Overview:	This subject studies the complex relationship between religion, theology, and the natural sciences. Theological concerns guided the science of Kepler, Newton and many other early scientists. They held that studying the Universe demonstrated the attributes of God. After Darwin, this view was replaced by radically different ones: to some science and religion are necessarily antagonistic, to others they belong to different realms. We examine this change, the reasoning (good and bad) behind it and its residues, including some modern debates: 'Anthropic Principle', multiple universes, and such scientific/philosophical issues such as 'Why are the laws of nature what they are?' Finally, we explore the relationship between the 'personal God' of religious experience and the 'philosophers' God' posited to explain facts about the natural world.
Assessment:	Written work totalling 4000 words comprising one 750-word paper 19% (due week 5); one 1250-word paper 31% (due week 8); and one 2000-word final paper 50% (due during the examination period).
Prescribed Texts:	A subject reader will be available from the University Bookstore at the beginning of semesterScience and Religion: A Historical Introduction ((Ed. by Ferrigan))
Breadth Options:	This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008. This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future. Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available. 2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information:	Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:	develop skills in written and oral communication; conduct independent research; make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument; form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.
Notes:	Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 BSc), or a combined BSc course (except for the BA/BSc) will receive science credit for the completion of this subject. Available at second and third year, except in science (second year only).
Related Course(s):	Bachelor of Arts Diploma in Arts (History and Philosophy of Science Diploma in Arts (Philosophy) Diploma in Arts (Philosophy) Graduate Certificate in Arts (History & Philosophy of Science) Graduate Diploma in Arts (History and Philosophy of Science) Graduate Diploma in Arts (Logic and Philosophy of Science)

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