Perspective: Science, Philosophy, and Spirituality

1.12: The Anthropocene

Homo Sapiens has been hugely successful as a species. We may have evolved from other animals, but with the development of self-aware consciousness, we’ve transcended the limits of purely biological evolution. Through our unique abilities we’ve created the Anthropocene epoch on earth, full of amazing technological and artistic achievements. But in the process, we’ve brought about a crisis that threatens the planet with serious damage and our own species with extinction. Where can we find the wisdom to respond to this predicament?

Read More

1.09: The Embodied Mind

This page contains resources from a module that reviews our latest understanding of the human mind – the embodied mind perspective. This paradigm offers a fresh understanding of how our minds work, highlighting the inseparable relationship between our bodies, experiences, and cognition. It recognizes that our thinking, perception, and even consciousness are not solely products of our brains, but emerge from the dynamic interactions between our bodies, sensory experiences, and the world around us. This perspective invites us to explore the profound impact of our embodied nature on our everyday lives, shaping how we perceive, understand, and engage with the world.

Read More

1.10: Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently headline news. But what is it? How has it developed? Should we see it as an opportunity, or a threat? This seminar takes a closer look at the history of AI, and it’s place in modern human society.

Read More

1.11: Scientific Naturalism

Resources on the page concern the philosophical position of scientific materialism, which asserts that the physical world is the ultimate reality and that physical processes can explain all phenomena. After our discussions on the mind and AI, we can explore different philosophical perspectives on the nature of reality and the limitations of scientific materialism in explaining subjective experiences, consciousness, and spirituality.

Read More

1.08: Science and the World’s Faiths

Resources for our module exploring the entangled relationship between science and the world’s major faith traditions. In it, we traverse through the landscapes of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Hinduism, examining how each has interacted with science throughout history. We delve into the richness of their contributions to human understanding, their distinct approaches to knowledge, and the common themes they share. Additionally, we address modern discussions and debates that blend scientific inquiry with religious thought. Far from presenting a binary view of conflict or cooperation, the article unravels the beautifully complex and entangled relationship between science and religion, ultimately highlighting their shared mission: to enrich human life, foster understanding, and illuminate the profound mysteries of our existence.

Read More
Verified by MonsterInsights