Faculty Conversations on Intelligent Design at the University of Minnesota
MacLaurin Institute
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The goal of this society is, in the words of its Chair, to “provide an on-going framework for members of the faculty…to explore the theoretical, academic, and policy implications of Intelligent Design theory.” This Society is committed to exploring issues and exchanging perspectives with two other regional LSI groups – the North Central Program for Science and Theology and the Society at St. John’s University and Seminary. In addition to ongoing meetings of the core group of faculty to discuss and review current theory and issues, the group hosts three formal annual faculty and graduate student “conversations,” and an annual campus lecture and roundtable presenting both pro and con perspectives on ID-related topics. Drawing from the faculty of the University of Minnesota, and in conjunction with members of other regional LSI groups, the society provides a broad consideration of current empirical research, philosophical and methodological assumptions, and theological perspectives on Intelligent Design theory and its alternatives. Topics include: the role of metaphysical assumption in the establishment and perpetuation of scientific theories; the possibility that intelligent design is a testable hypothesis; intelligent design vs. theistic evolution; the status of intelligent design as a consideration in conversations in science and theology; and policy implications of intelligent design theory for teaching of science in public settings. Events are promoted through existing email lists, postcard mailers, and advertisement in the campus newspaper and web-based events calendar. The MacLaurin Institute provides all matching funds.