Peter Harrison

Peter Harrison, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Queensland, discusses the historical ties between Christianity and science. Astrophysicist Sarah Sweet and cosmologist Luke Barnes delve into the concept of a finely tuned universe, exploring the implications for both faith and science. They debate whether there's room for the supernatural within scientific inquiry and examine recent revelations about galaxies, shaped by technology like the James Webb Telescope. Together, they challenge conventional views on the interplay of science and religion.

Sally Shrapnell, an Associate Professor in Physics, and Peter Harrison, a Research Fellow and Emeritus Professor in the Humanities, dive into the purpose of philosophy. They tackle the discipline's historical biases, such as sexism and colonialism, revealing how these injustices persist today. The discussion expands to the relationship between philosophy and science, questioning the nature of truth and the influence of narrative in moral understanding. They also confront the challenges posed by misinformation in the modern era, emphasizing philosophy’s role in navigating societal dilemmas.

In this engaging discussion, Peter Harrison, a former professor of science and religion at Oxford, explores the complex history of belief in miracles and the skepticism surrounding them. He delves into how modernity's emphasis on naturalism emerged alongside Protestantism's challenges to authority. Harrison distinguishes between popular belief in miracles and the intellectual elite's dismissal of them. He also highlights the evolving relationship between faith, reason, and the privatization of religion in a pluralistic society.

Join Natasha Mitchell and her insightful guests, Peter Harrison, a leading scholar on the interplay of science and religion, Charles Wolfe, a philosopher of biology, and Anik Waldow, who explores our human place in nature. They delve into the historical and contemporary tensions between science and faith, unraveling the decline in scientific literacy and the rise of anti-science sentiments. They ponder the evolving concept of the soul, advocate for dialogues that bridge gaps, and highlight the need to integrate Indigenous wisdom with scientific understanding for a better future.

Peter Harrison, Professor Emeritus of History and Philosophy, discusses the evolution of religious, scientific, and philosophical concepts, challenging traditional narratives of progress. Topics include the idiosyncrasies of Western thought categories, reevaluating philosophical progress, historical shifts in faith and reason, the development of the supernatural concept, and evolving perspectives on nature.