Religion and Scientific Objectivity

This course investigates the concept of "objectivity", especially in regard to science and religion. We begin with the revolt against objectivity by 19th-century religious thinkers such as Kierkegaard, and the impact this revolt had on the development of the sciences - in particular, the revolutions in physics of the early 20th century. We also consider the scope of objectivity in the social sciences, as well as the relationship between objectivity and values in accepting scientific theories, making religious commitments, and forming beliefs in other domains.