Matthew Stanley: Science & Religion Beyond the Conflict Model

Jul 25, 2020

Matthew Stanley, a historian of science at NYU, dives into the fascinating interplay between science and religion. He critiques the outdated conflict model, celebrating figures like Arthur Eddington and Albert Einstein during World War I. Their fight against nationalism reveals how science and personal beliefs can coexist. Excitingly, Stanley envisions his latest book, *Einstein's War*, as a potential film. The conversation also uncovers the relationship between physics, pacifism, and cultural truth, showcasing how innovative storytelling can bridge diverse disciplines.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

From Science to Spirituality: An Unexpected Journey

02:18 • 17min

Eddington, Einstein, and the War of Ideas

18:52 • 16min

Eddington and Einstein: A Scientific Odyssey

35:22 • 31min

Exploring the Intersection of Science and Storytelling

01:05:53 • 4min

Bridging Science and Public Curiosity

01:09:41 • 3min

Apocalyptic Narratives: Science and Religion Intersect

01:12:12 • 9min

Exploring Hypothetical Universes: Science Meets Imagination

01:21:01 • 3min

Are you ready for a super fun and nerdy podcast?

Dr. Stanely has been an important thinker for my current research project. His book on renowned Quaker physicist Arthur Eddington was one I kept on telling friends about. When his new book Einstein's War came out I knew it would make for a good reason to have him on the podcast. My high expectations for the conversation were not just met but exceeded. As a historian of science who works in the conversation between religion and science, there were a bunch of different topics that came up we both love talking about. Hopefully this will not be his last visit on the podcast. In the conversation we discuss:

how bad the conflict model of religion and science is
the life of Arthur Eddington
is Buddhism a religion?
the emergence of scientific naturalism and why it isn't necessary
the relationship of Einstein and Eddington
how Einstein changed the scientific picture of the world
how scientists got arrested for being spies
the connection between physics, pacifism, and internationalism
why Einstein's War should be a movie
the limits and nature of science
shout out to how the hippies saved physics
the nature of truth within cultural/religious traditions

PS: Einstein's War: How Relativity Triumphed Amid the Vicious Nationalism of World War I, just came out in paperback. As you will hear in the interview, it is too good to miss.

Matthew Stanley is professor of the history of science at New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study. He has published two academic books and has written for Physics Today, Physics World and the Los Angeles Review of Books. He has a podcast, What the If?!?, and has appeared on documentaries on the History Channel, BBC and NPR.

Check Out his books! Einstein's War: How Relativity Triumphed Amid the Vicious Nationalism of World War I, Practical Mystic: Religion, Science, and A. S. Eddington, and Huxley's Church and Maxwell's Demon: From Theistic Science to Naturalistic Science.

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