Distinguishing Science and Metaphysics in Evolution and Religion

Aim and Description

The aim of the workshop is to establish the case for distinguishing evidence-based claims and metaphysics in evolution and religion. By emphasizing this distinction, and analyzing case studies where the distinction is problematic, we hope to clarify ‘boundary disputes’ between science and religion and to identify the real issue in the dispute. The first step towards this goal is to start a dialogue between theologians, evolutionary biologists, religious scientists from various religions and philosophies of life (including atheism) and philosophers of science in an attempt to take away some common misunderstandings and caricatures that exist back and forth in the various groups. Second, by unravelling the history of the position of evolutionary biology in different religions, we aim to achieve a common understanding of the interrelationship between religion and science. Third, we will discuss case studies on ‘boundary disputes’, either when science may claim too much (as in the philosophy of ‘scientism’) or when religion encroaches on science (as in so-called intelligent design, or creationism). Related to this, we will discuss the implications of evolutionary biology for religious claims on human origins and ultimate questions.