Science, Philosophy, and Religion, Distance Learning
The course is offered as a stand-alone course. It is included in Pre-Master in Religious Studies and Theology, 60 ECTS.
How do we distinguish between the ”real” world and the ”observable” world? Critical realists and many scientists make a distinction between the ”real” world, which exists independently of human perceptions, theories and constructs, and the ”observable” world. Whilst the ”real” cannot be observed, the ”observable” is constructed on the basis of our perspectives and experiences. In this course, we take a closer look at the relationship between objectivity and subjectivity, as well as the relation between the ”real” and the ”observable”, and what is ”real”/exists (ontology) and what we can know and understand about the ”real” (epistemology). Through these perspectives, we attempt to understand the relationship between science, philosophy and religion. During the course, students will listen to various voices grappling with the big questions in the fields of the study of religion and theology.
Learning objectives
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. Knowledge and understanding:
1.1 relate different positions on science, philosophy and religion within the fields of the study of religions and theology, and identify how they apply theories to various materials and research objects
1.2 identify positions in the current academic discourse on science, philosophy and religion, within the field of the study of religions and theology
2. Competence and skills:
2.1 independently identify, formulate and solve problems related to ontology and epistemology, as well as problems related to objectivity and subjectivity, within the field of the study of religions
2.2 identify and critically analyse different approaches to the scientific study of religion and epistemology, using appropriate critical methods within a given timeframe
3. Assessment and approach:
3.1 select and argue for appropriate methods for the study of the relationship between science, philosophy and religion, and the limitations such methods place on the object of study, from both a disciplinary, social and ethical perspective
3.2 assess and argue for the limitations of intersectionality within the fields of science, philosophy and religion, and the need for ongoing research in the field, as well as the ethical issues and social concerns relating to intersectionality.
Requirements
Courses equivalent to 90 credits from the First Cycle in the humanities, social sciences, educational sciences, theology, law or health sciences, or equivalent competence. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.
Course Literature
Adamson, Peter & Benevich, Fedor & Klinger, Dustin (2025) The Heirs of Avicenna: Philosophy in the Islamic East, 12–13th Centuries, Brill (630 pp.).
Dawes, Gregory W. (2016) Galileo and the Conflict between Religion and Science. Routledge (198 pp.).
McGrath, Alister E. (2010) Science and Religion. Chichester, UK: John Wiley and Sons (262 pp.).
Schilbrack, Kevin (2014) Philosophy and the Study of Religions. A Manifesto. Chichester, UK: John Wiley and Sons (206 pp.).
Syllabus
See the syllabus for further information.