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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Philosophy, Science and Religion: Religion and Science by The University of Edinburgh

4.7
stars
193 ratings

About the Course

Philosophy, Science and Religion mark three of the most fundamental modes of thinking about the world and our place in it. Are these modes incompatible? Put another way: is the intellectually responsible thing to do to ‘pick sides’ and identify with one of these approaches at the exclusion of others? Or, are they complementary or mutually supportive? As is typical of questions of such magnitude, the devil is in the details. For example, it is important to work out what is really distinctive about each of these ways of inquiring about the world. In order to gain some clarity here, we’ll be investigating what some of the current leading thinkers in philosophy, science and religion are actually doing. This course, entitled ‘Religion and Science’, is the third of three related courses in our Philosophy, Science and Religion Online series. The course will address five themes, each presented by an expert in the area. 1. Science, Religion, and the Origin of the Universe (Professor Tim Maudlin, NYU ) 2. Buddhism and Science (Professor Graham Priest, CUNY) 3. Evolution and Design (Dr Kevin Scharp, St Andrews) 4. Sin Suffering and Salvation: Evolutions Thorny Issues (Dr Bethany Sollereder, Oxford) 5. Human Uniqueness in Science, Theology, and Ethics (Professor David Clough, Chester) The first and second courses in the Philosophy, Science and Religion series, 'Science and Philosophy' and 'Philosophy and Religion' were launched in 2017 and you can sign up to these at any time. It is not necessary to have completed these courses to follow this course. However, completing all three courses will give you a broader understanding of this fascinating topic. Look for: • Philosophy, Science and Religion I: Science and Philosophy - https://www.coursera.org/learn/philosophy-science-religion-1 • Philosophy, Science and Religion II: Philosophy and Religion - https://www.coursera.org/learn/philosophy-science-religion-2 Upon successful completion of all three courses, students will: (1) Understand the main parameters at stake in the current debate between science and religion. (2) Have some familiarity with the relevant areas of science that feature in the debate—including cosmology, evolution, and the neurosciences—and will have begun to engage with them conceptually. (3) Have encountered key philosophical approaches to the interface between science and religion, and will have had the opportunity to engage them in practice. (4) Have embarked constructively in cross-disciplinary conversations. (5) Have demonstrated an openness to personal growth through a commitment to dialogue across intellectual and spiritual boundaries. You can also follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EdiPhilOnline and you can follow the hashtag #psrmooc...

Top reviews

II

Mar 13, 2022

Fun and explorative. I like the questions the best, fyi, and resonding to other people's writing.

CS

Apr 6, 2022

I never had the opportunity to attend college and at 59 this was an exciting class to take.

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1 - 25 of 63 Reviews for Philosophy, Science and Religion: Religion and Science

By Robert C

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Sep 25, 2019

The course in itself was excellent. One thing I liked about all the courses until this one (Philosophy, Philosophy of Science 1 & 2; and Philosophy, Science, and Religion 1 & 2) was that it was optional to do peer-reviewed assignments and discussion questions,etc.--I despise doing those. In this course it was required. Also whenever in any of these courses the instructors demonstrated to me that they did not understand young earth creationism and to deny that these fine Christian gentlemen and scholars are doing real science is unfair. I have read and studied their material and they are top notch scientists--it is just that their conclusions are different.

By Christopher M

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Jun 14, 2018

Well, I was expecting that the course creators would pull a rabbit out of a magician's hat in this last part of the course in order to show that science and Christianity are compatible but unfortunately it seems to have gone out 'not with a bang but a Wimpey' as John Cooper Clarke used to say, drifting off in to the sunset with an advertisement for an animal rights website. So, no miracles here, then.

By Rebecca H

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Dec 12, 2022

I enjoyed learning about different religions and the different sciene therorys.

By FRANK A

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Oct 10, 2020

AN EXCELLENT COURSE THAT COVERS THESE ISSUES EXTREMELY WELL.

By Douglas R A d O

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Oct 6, 2019

The three courses were shameful attempts to reconcile science with religion using as an example religious pseudosciences. In all courses, the theme "Intelligent Design" was approached, but in this specific there was a desperate attempt to link Buddhism to Quantum Entanglement, which are two completely opposite things. In general, the course aims to indoctrinate based on pseudoscience rather than teaching science, philosophy and religion in a critical and systematic way. Perhaps this is the main reason why the course is sponsored by the obscure and pseudoscientific John Templeton Foundation.

By Renee K

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Oct 1, 2021

Thank you to the lecturer and editors of this course, I enjoyed learning more on philosophy and reasoning on certain topics that made me consider having time to think about or search about much more.

this course was quite the taking and the course work and lectures were worth the time and I'd highly recommend each and every person interested in philosophy to make some time and take this course.

By Leo T

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Sep 19, 2021

This is a great course to dive deeper into this conflict and begin to unravel the entanglements that are part personal and part conceptual misalignment. Although there are some direct conflicts which I don't think should create any animosity instead we should either work harder decipher the facts or leave it as it is until a more opportune time to bring it back to the table.

By Pablo G A

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Jun 21, 2018

I find this course very interesting and well structured. I reckon that these three courses about Philosophy, Science and Religion conform a very complete approach to the topic. I would recommend these three courses to anyone interested in our role as human-beings in the existence. I feel very grateful to the instructors of the courses and Coursera's platform.

By Bill S

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Dec 2, 2020

This was very challenging. The teachers were almost all superb. It was wonderful to be forced to write essays. I enjoyed seeing how much science has changed religious thought. It would of been interesting to get a Muslim perspective and a Hindu perspective also.

By Regina A

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Jul 5, 2020

Interesting combination of science, religion and the philosophy of it all. And how science and philosophy does truly go hand in hand. Highly recommended if you are a curious cat such as myself! Deadlines are flexible for us working professionals.

By Cees O

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Jun 19, 2018

Excellent course bringing a whole lot of crystal clear and sober arguments in an often over-heated debate between religion and science #MUSTFOLLOW

By Raúl S P

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Jan 30, 2021

Excellent course, the topics were very well addressed (especially Buddhism) and the videos have a very adequate duration.

By Trofimova D

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Nov 24, 2020

It was really great and useful!!! Thank you Coursera and all professors from this course!

By Stephen i

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Dec 23, 2020

Great course! Very interesting and thought provoking.

By Juan R R

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Feb 12, 2021

Great lectures and thought provoking content.

By Winston A W

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Dec 12, 2020

Excellent, thank you.

By Ruben F

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Sep 18, 2020

Amazing Course

By Panagiotis P

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Sep 16, 2024

The "Philosophy, Science and Religion: Religion and Science" course is a fascinating exploration of the interplay between science and religion, examining how these two domains intersect, conflict, and complement each other. This course provides an in-depth analysis of the relationship between science and religion from a philosophical perspective. It explores various viewpoints on how religious and scientific explanations of the world can coexist or come into conflict. The course is designed to encourage critical thinking and foster a nuanced understanding of these often contentious subjects. Comprehensive Content: The course covers a broad spectrum of topics, including the historical context of science and religion, major philosophical arguments, and contemporary debates. This comprehensive approach helps students grasp the complexities of the relationship between science and religion. Expert Instruction: The course is taught by knowledgeable instructors who provide clear explanations and insightful perspectives. Their expertise in philosophy, science, and theology enriches the learning experience. Engaging Format: The course employs a mix of video lectures, readings, making the material engaging and accessible. The use of case studies and historical examples helps illustrate key concepts effectively. Critical Thinking: The course encourages students to critically analyze different viewpoints and form their own informed opinions. This emphasis on critical thinking is one of its strong points, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Overall Experience: The "Philosophy, Science and Religion: Religion and Science" course is an excellent resource for anyone interested in exploring the complex relationship between science and religion. It provides a thoughtful and balanced approach to the subject, making it suitable for both newcomers and those with some prior knowledge. The course offers valuable insights and encourages meaningful reflection on one of the most intriguing aspects of human thought.

By Andy V

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Apr 21, 2023

Of the three Philosophy courses studied from University of Edinburgh, I have found this one the most engaging, challenging and thought provoking. There was a good range of topics covered, with pointers to further reading to take ideas deeper. I appreciated the nuance brought on the different topics covered. Grateful for this learning experience which I believe will be both useful in my role as a church pastor and impactful in my life (such as a fresh challenge about research care with what we eat).

By Getrude K

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May 22, 2024

This course challanges one's fundamental beliefs in upbringing, questioning one's existence beyond origin, truth and existence. It demystifies much in querries of science, religion and the view of God, and gives a standpoint on beliefs, logic and principles, offering ethical guidance through a journey of unvelining truth. One has to be lost to be found. A wealth of knowledge: Truths that are hard to hear.

By Beatriz m d

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Jun 22, 2024

I have finished the course,as I finsihed the first.I cannot do what the teacher asks.that I write and my classmates read it.I do not speak english,It is already difficult for me to write a few lines,so a longer project is impossible.Professor,I hope for more courses that you take.It has a been a pleasure listening to you.

By Antônio C P M

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Jul 17, 2022

I had this great opportunity to take this course through Coursera, learning about philosophy, science and religion.

An easy-to-understand platform, with interactive tests that lead the student to spontaneous reasoning on the subject.

Congratulations to Coursera for the excellent way of learning.

By Ana P C R

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Mar 27, 2024

Es interesantísimo un curso que explica muy claramente las distintas teorías entre filosofía ciencia y religión. Gracias a Coursera y a la Universidad de Edimburgo y a sus maestros doctores y docentes por compartir y enseñarnos sus conocimientos.

By Michaela K

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Mar 8, 2023

All the professors were wonderful and I am and was always very pleased with you, University of Edinburgh!

By Claudia M

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Jun 16, 2021

l like this series of courses on "Philosophy, Science and Religion" and I am planning to attend them all.