Introduction Since the rise of analytic philosophy, a virtual Berlin wall seems to be inserted with respect to continental philosophy. From a meta-philosophical stance, the common and prima facie reply to this split (if it is not denied) is the encouragement of merging inclinations. In this paper we argue for another strategy. Since unification coincides…
Introduction Within the current science and theology/religion dialogue, the debate that arguably is carried out with most vehemence pertains to the question whether nature’s discernible processes are caused by an intelligent being—that we (i.e. the faithful) call God1—or by the presumed self-generated processes of natural evolution.2 This paper will argue that this, perhaps more adequately…
Introduction When it comes to water humans seem to suffer from some sort of “split-personality” syndrome. Although in most parts of the world, water has been spiritually regarded as a sacred substance, water pollution has still been escalating everywhere. The manifestation of this syndrome can be observed at the population level on down to the…
Is there a neurobiology of sin? Can sinful behavior be explained away as causal effects of chemical reactions in the brain that affect the limbic system, leading to emotional experiences that shape beliefs which lead to actions considered undesirable by society? In another age, this question would be dismissed as an example of a classic…
In 2005 the discovery of an Ivory-bill Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) caused a national celebration. Donald Kennedy (2005), the editor of Science magazine, spoke for millions of others when he testified in an editorial to “the personal excitement and pleasure this discovery has brought me.” Kennedy acknowledged that “Some will say, ‘It’s only a bird.’” Why…
Introduction The fact is that we do not any more know what beauty is. If our culture, our thought, had sometime a clear idea of what beauty was, this is no more so, she is no more on duty. It is no longer able to clarify the scene in which under the word beauty you…
1. From Science to Naturalism A good starting point for entering the discussion of science, religion and naturalism is to start with a short characterisation of science. A first major characteristic of science is its wide scope. Physics is not limited to terrestrial phenomena anymore but one of its sub-disciplines developed into astro-physics. Chemistry can…
The twentieth-century mathematician and philosopher, Alfred North Whitehead, offered this provocative statement in his mature philosophical work, Adventures in Ideas: The teleology of the Universe is directed toward the production of Beauty.1 This sentence from Whitehead points toward a rich and stimulating conception of beauty—not as mere ornamentation (ultimately as cosmetics), which one can place…
In many places, religious scholars, scientists, and politicians are debating the moral status of the human embryo. This debate draws attention to the political, social, and economic contexts in which transdisciplinary scholarly discussions often occur.