Resistance to evolutionary theory on theological grounds has persisted to this day. In the United States, for example, nearly 40% of the population continues to reject the theory outright, particularly within evangelical communities. This resistance has at times led to efforts to influence educational curricula and scientific research in ways that align more closely with religious convictions. At the same time, constructive efforts have been made to reconcile evolutionary theory with systems of faith. In the context of emerging AI, also new ideas are being formulated about how evolution could develop independently of genetics.
In our workshop, “Evolutionary Theory as an Existential Challenge for Humankind,” we will explore both the historical development and contemporary dynamics of the relationship between religion and science, using evolutionary theory as a central case study. We will also reflect on the broader existential questions raised by Darwin’s work.
Agenda
15:00 Welcome
15:05 Prof. Norbert Krüger (SDU): The development of modern science and its exclusion of mankind’s existential questions
15:30 Prof. Duur Aanen (Wageningen University, Netherlands): The two sides of Methodological Naturalism – no scientific inferences based on metaphysics but neither metaphysical inferences based on science
15:55 Anders Stjernholm (Ateistik Selskab): Separating life and religion: Dealing with scientific and existential questions without the concept of a God
16:20 Hans Henrik Hjermitslev (UC-SYD): Protestant responses to Darwinism from the 1860s to modern-day creationism
16:45 Stefan Lumholdt Pedersen (Kristeligt Forbund for Studerende, KFS): The ideas and beliefs that matter the most - how do we learn to talk about them
16:50 Discussion
17:15 End
- Arrangør: Danish Institute for Advanced Study - DIAS
- Adresse: Fioniavej 34, 5230 Odense M
- Tilføj til din kalender: https://eom.sdu.dk:443/events/ical/5b7fdd8b-b600-43aa-92d2-7566e40feaf1