Philosophy, Science, and Religion: The Search for Truth

How do we determine what is true? In a world often polarized by scientific data, philosophical arguments, and religious convictions, finding common ground can feel impossible. This course guides you through the foundational debates at the intersection of philosophy, science, and religion, showing you how these disciplines can critically inform, challenge, and enrich one another. By reading through these structured modules, you will transition from viewing these fields as naturally hostile to understanding how they can coexist and cooperate. You will develop the analytical tools needed to evaluate complex claims about the origin of the universe, the nature of consciousness, and the limits of human knowledge. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational definitions, histories, and core methodologies of scientific and philosophical thought. - Analyze the historical and contemporary debates surrounding creation, evolution, and cosmology. - Evaluate the claims of scientism and the limits of purely empirical observation in addressing existential questions. - Explore modern perspectives in the cognitive science of religion and how evolutionary biology views belief. - Distinguish between scientific realism and anti-realism to better comprehend how scientific theories represent reality. - Apply critical thinking frameworks to evaluate complex arguments where science, ethics, and faith overlap. Starting with essential terminology and the historical origins of these three domains, the reading journey progresses to modern debates, exploring how scientific progress impacts philosophical and theological views of the cosmos. Through clear explanations and written reflection exercises, you will build a sophisticated framework for thinking about the world's biggest questions. This text-based course is designed for curious beginners, requiring no prior background in philosophy, science, or theology. Begin your journey into the most profound questions of human existence today.