The Science & Belief in Society Podcast Emerging Trends in the History of Science and Religion with Dr Adam Shapiro
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Sep 29, 2023 Dr. Adam Shapiro, a historian of science, shares intriguing insights into the evolution of public understandings of science and religion. He discusses the controversies surrounding the James Webb Space Telescope and the 30 Metre Telescope, emphasizing Indigenous perspectives. Delving into Natural Theology's role in the American Declaration of Independence, he highlights the historical shifts in the science-religion debate. Furthermore, he explores how religious communities adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing innovation and resilience.
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Telescopes as Science-Religion Symbols
- The James Webb and 30 Meter telescopes sparked public controversies tied to religion and indigenous rights.
- The telescope symbolizes a long-standing narrative intertwining science and religion from Galileo's era to today.
Modern Telescopes Alter Knowledge Production
- Modern telescopes require cooperative, complex efforts unlike Galileo's personal observations.
- This shift challenges notions of individual discovery and blurs boundaries between scientific knowledge and observation.
History Used to Justify Conflict
- Historical narratives of science and religion are often used to justify ongoing conflicts or rebut their inevitability.
- The Scopes trial was not inevitable but became mythologized as a key conflict between evolution and creationism.
