Category Archives: Methods of science

Risk/reward of objectifying the personal

Posted on March 12, 2011 by

Can science address the personal? In studying the subjective objectively, have we reduced it beyond recognition? Two loosely related excerpts to ponder on this fine Saturday… one from philosophy, the other from biology. John Polkinghorne in Beyond Science: The Wider … Continue reading →

Posted in consciousness, Evolution, Human nature, John Polkinghorne, Methods of science, Mind, Philosophy of science, Reductionism, Scientist-Theologians, Subjectivity | Leave a comment

One hack’s attempt at a syllabus for an undergrad course in science and religion

Posted on March 8, 2011 by

The week after next my first course in science and religion will begin. It’s a survey/topics-type course that is for 2 credits and is meeting on Wednesday nights for 3+ hours, which constrains the course design a bit but provides … Continue reading →

Posted in Evolution, Human nature, Ian Barbour, John Polkinghorne, Karl Giberson, Methods of science, science vs. religion, Scientist-Theologians | 6 Comments

Happy birthday, Galileo!

Posted on February 15, 2011 by

447 years ago today in Pisa, Italy, Galileo Galilei was born. Some call him the father of modern science, many regard him highly for his discoveries, and of course, others know him because of his controversial relationship with the Catholic … Continue reading →

Posted in Methods of science, science vs. religion, Supernatural vs. Natural | 2 Comments

The limits of science from the minds of high school seniors

Posted on February 12, 2011 by

Today and two weeks from now I’m helping out with the annual Trustee competition at North Park. In this event, outstanding high school seniors that are leaning towards or committed to attending North Park compete for high-level scholarship money. They … Continue reading →

Posted in Education and mentoring, Methods of science, Science | 4 Comments

The worst article on science and religion I’ve ever read

Posted on January 27, 2011 by

I just read an article by Paul Hunting on the Huffington Post that is darn near close to being the worst article on science and religion I’ve ever read.  Now I’ve never read anything by him before and have nothing … Continue reading →

Posted in Methods of science, Philosophy of science, science vs. religion | 8 Comments

Expert says scientists don’t seek truth… wait, what?

Posted on January 21, 2011 by

Every year, The web magazine, Edge, asks leading scientists, philosophers, artists, and others to submit a response to a “big” question that is usually visionary or out-of-the-box. This year, the question was: “What scientific concept would improve everybody’s cognitive toolkit?”. … Continue reading →

Posted in John Polkinghorne, Methods of science, Philosophy of science, reason, Science, Scientists | 1 Comment

Polkinghorne on Natural Theology (BioLogos)

Posted on November 29, 2010 by

Over at BioLogos, they are running a series of posts from John Polkinghorne’s recent lecture at Point Loma Nazarene University.  Provided is both the audio and transcripts.  Links below. Rather than send you over there for discussion though, I would … Continue reading →

Posted in Evolution, John Polkinghorne, Methods of science, Philosophy of science, Reductionism, science vs. religion, Scientist-Theologians, Supernatural vs. Natural | Leave a comment

The importance of analogy in science: Universe’s quantum weirdness limits its weirdness

Posted on November 19, 2010 by

Quantum physics is spectacular, head-scratching, fascinating, confusing, and a specific understanding of it is beyond my brain’s pay grade.  Proper explanation, like much of science, demands models and analogies, but when these are properly used the general description it provides … Continue reading →

Posted in Methods of science, Philosophy of science, Science | Leave a comment