Reading Our Times The History of Science and Religion with Tom Holland
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Aug 13, 2024 
In this enlightening discussion, historian and podcaster Tom Holland engages with Nick Spencer about the intricate relationship between science and religion. They challenge the stereotype of an ongoing war between the two, exploring historical developments from the Enlightenment to modern times. Holland delves into Galileo's complex ties with the Church, the philosophical implications of AI, and theological questions surrounding extraterrestrial life. The conversation ultimately reveals how belief systems evolve, impacting contemporary social movements.
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Religion's European Roots
- The word "religion" emerged during the 16th-century Reformation.
- Europeans used it to categorize different denominations and later applied it to non-European belief systems.
Science's Recent Emergence
- The modern concept of "science" developed in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Before, intellectual activities like natural philosophy encompassed what we now consider science.
Epicurean Atoms
- Epicureans developed atomic theory based on philosophical principles, not modern physics.
- They prioritized philosophy over empirical evidence, demonstrating a holistic understanding of reality.