Tom McLeish - Created for Creativity: What is the Role of Imagination in Scientific Exploration?
Dec 6, 2021
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Professor Tom McLeish discusses the role of imagination in scientific exploration, medieval history's impact on science, creativity as reflecting God's image, poetry's unity with science, and the importance of churches embracing science. The podcast explores the interdisciplinary journey in science and humanities, the goal of science through natural reflection, the intersection of imagination and science through DNA and poetry, the unity of science and faith, and the interplay of science, theology, and poetry in contemplation.
Imagination is vital in science for reimagining the universe and sparking new ideas.
The Christian faith encourages creativity in science as a way to reflect the Creator's image.
Deep dives
Science and Imagination: The Core of Scientific Exploration
Science is about building structures that reflect the natural world to understand how it operates. Imagination plays a crucial role in science, allowing us to reimagine the universe and induce new ideas. Like poetry, science requires form and structure to mold and convey the creative insights generated.
Historical Perceptions of Science and Imagination
The perception that science and imagination are opposing forces emerged in the 17th century with the development of the Royal Society. Over time, a division between creative, poetic thought and rational discourse was established. This separation continued into the 19th century with romantic poets expressing concerns about science removing wonder from the world.
Faith, Science, and Imagination: A Harmonious Relationship
Being made in the image of God implies reflecting the Creator's creative capabilities. In science, this manifests as creating an image of the world through imaginative interpretation. The Christian faith provides a framework for understanding and leveraging creativity in science as an act of stewardship in response to God's creation.
How might medieval history help us rethink contemporary assumptions about science? How does being made in the image of God affirm our vocation to creativity? How do poetry and science belong together? How do contemplation and imagination contribute to scientific endeavour? How can churches recognise science as God's good gift and not just an obstacle to be overcome?
Our guest for this episode is Professor Tom McLeish. Tom is a physicist, academic interdisciplinary leader, and writer. He is inaugural Professor of Natural Philosophy in the Department of Physics at the University of York, and is also affiliated to the University’s Centre for Medieval Studies and Humanities Research Centre. As well as researching the properties of soft matter, Tom is interested in the theory of creativity in art and science, and has writing several books on the subject including The Poetry and Music of Science. Tom is a Council Member for the Royal Society and has been awarded the Lanfranc Award for Education and Scholarship by the Archbishop of Canterbury in recognition of his contribution to science and the dialogue of science and faith.
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