Science and Religion essay

DUE: Wednesday, April 15

Write a 3 page essay that addresses one of the following topics. Your essay should advance a thesis (or argument) and use evidence drawn from the writings of these scientists (or from the textbook or other secondary sources) to support your thesis.

As always, consult the keys for writing a successful essay, cite all quotes, list your sources, and contact me with any questions.

1. This semester we have examined the intersections of religion and science in the work of four of the most influential scientists in history: Galileo, Newton, Darwin, and Einstein. Evaluate the role that "religion" played in the work of at least two of these scientists.

2. Write an essay that connects one (or more) of the statements below to some of the topics or themes that we have discussed in class or that have appeared in the readings.

"There is more religion in men's science than there is science in their religion "
(David Henry Thoreau, 1849)

"Scientists should be more than merely technically adept; they should be mindful of their own motivation and the larger goal of what they do: the betterment of humanity." (Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, 2005)

"What I have done is to show that it is possible for the way the universe began to be determined by the laws of science. In that case, it would not be necessary to appeal to God to decide how the universe began. This doesn't prove that there is no God, only that God is not necessary." (Steven Hawking, 1989)

If you find other similar statements on the web that you would like to address, you are welcome to do so--on the condition that you ask specific permission from me.