The Science & Belief in Society Podcast What role does morality play in the relationship between religion and science? with Prof. John H. Evans
May 27, 2025
In this insightful conversation, John H. Evans, a leading sociologist at UC San Diego, delves into the moral conflicts that shape the debate between religion and science. He argues that understanding these conflicts is more crucial than simply focusing on facts. Their discussion highlights how ethical dilemmas sway public perception in bioethics and the contrasting views between bioethicists and the general public on emerging technologies. Evans also emphasizes the need for a pluralistic approach to integrate religious perspectives into scientific discourse.
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Moral Conflict Drives Religion-Science Debate
- The US debate between religion and science is less about factual conflicts and more about moral conflicts.
- Conservative religious groups typically accept scientific facts but contest the morality implied by some scientific claims.
Historical Moral Roots in Science Conflict
- Early resistance to Darwin focused more on moral concerns about Victorian sexual morality than factual disputes.
- Bioethicists universally accept scientific facts but challenge what should be done morally based on those facts.
Science Perceives Moral Neutrality
- Scientists often see their work as morally neutral and struggle to recognize the implicit moral messages.
- Religious and public views respect the existence of things morally, conflicting with bioengineering's modification focus.
