Faith & Science Minicourse

Faith & Science: Catholic Engagement with the Harder Questions

Friday morning seminars (10:00-11:00AM)

Coffee and bagels provided

September 3, 10, 17, 24, and October 1

This free faculty-led minicourse invites you to engage with us in thinking more deeply about the Catholic intellectual tradition and the contemporary sciences. University courses rarely are equipped to consider harder questions on the topic of faith and science, so this minicourse creates a little pop-up space to raise and discuss various topics in an authentic, serious and accessible way. Prior experience is not expected; only an openness to considering the possibility that our discussions might deepen how you think about God, yourself, others and the great sciences of the Universe! Registration requested to ensure adequate seating. Questions? Email Dr. Jocelyn Moore, St. Anselm Institute Director of Programs, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sept 3, 2021: Session 1

Debunking the Conflict Narrative and Other Caricatures of Catholicism and Science

• Avery Dulles, S.J., “Science and Theology,” (1990) pp. 9-16

September 10, 2021: Seminar 2

Why Something and Not Nothing? The Science of Astrophysics and the Metaphysics of Creation ex Nihilo

• Adam D. Hinks, S.J., “What Does Physical Cosmology Say about Creation from Nothing?” (2018) pp. 319-345

September 17, 2021: Seminar 3

Truth is One: The Sciences of Evolution and Neuroscience, the Emergence of Human Consciousness, and the Doctrine of Original Sin

• Nicanor Austriaco, O.P. “The Historicity of Adam and Eve,” pp. 159-181

September 24, 2021: Seminar 4

Parrhesia and Christian Truth-telling: Who is Responsible for the Misuses of Science at UVA?

• Paul Scherz, “Philosophical Parrhesia and Christian Truth-telling,” pp.161-173

October 1, 2021: Seminar 5

Caring Not Discarding: Human Personhood Without Exception or Equivocation

• Dignitatis Personae (2008); John Paul II, “Life Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative State: Scientific Advances and Ethical Dilemmas” (2004); Francis I, "Address to Delegation of the International Commission Against the Death Penalty" (2018)