Conference on Explaining and Explaining Away in Science and Religion
Conference title: Explaining and Explaining Away in
Science and Religion
Location: Belfast, N. Ireland
Dates: 8-9 January, 2015
Overview
In discussions about the relationship between science and
religion, it is sometimes argued that scientific explanations remove or
undermine the need for religious explanations. Although such explanations might
be logically compatible, the claim is that there is no need for two
explanations when one will do. Given Occam's razor and the success of science,
it is claimed that religious explanations are no longer needed for features of
the world around us. Is this correct? Has science 'explained away' the need for
religion? This conference will address this issue by exploring topics such as:
• what are the
similarities and differences between scientific and religious explanations?
• can science
explain away religious beliefs?
• can religious
explanations complement scientific explanations?
• case studies
from the history of science and religion on the above themes
The conference
will be of interest to philosophers, scientists, theologians and historians of
science. Keynote speakers include:
Revd. Dr. Rodney Holder
Prof. David N. Livingstone
Prof. Roger Trigg
The conference programme is available at
This conference is
part of a two year project on 'Explaining and Explaining Away' at the
University of Ulster which is funded by the John Templeton Foundation. Details
of the project can be found at: http://scm.ulster.ac.uk/explainingaway/
Registration
The event, including lunch and tea/coffee, is free
(excluding the conference dinner). However, spaces are limited and registration
is essential. To register, please send an email to Dr. Shuwei Chen (s.chen@ulster.ac.uk) as soon as
possible.