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SVT-jubileumssymposium: Science and Religion

The Centre for the Study of the Sciences and the Humanities (SVT) celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2012 with a two-days open symposium. On 10 May, the theme was Science and Religion.

A white house on the background of a blue sky, greenery and a fountain in the front
Photo:
Marianne Hagland Westerlund

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The SVT was established in 1987 as a permanent institute, with standard obligations in research, teaching, popularization and dissemination. Due to the definition of ‘vitskapsteori’, the academic profile of the SVT differs from that of ‘science studies’ in the Anglo-American sense: all university disciplines are included as “research objects”. The research profile of the SVT is broad, with a focus on critical reflection over the science-society relationship and the ethical and societal aspects of science and technology. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the SVT, we are arranging a two-day celebratory symposium. The topics for the two seminars reflect some of the research interests of our Centre.

Thursday May 10th, 13:00 – 17:00

Science and Religion

This seminar is dedicated to a discussion of the topic “Science and Religion”, the term ‘science’ here understood in a wide sense like the Norwegian “vitenskap” or the German “Wissenschaft”. The speakers will address questions like: Has science taken over the role of religion? What is the relationship between science and religion in our times? Do science and religion represent a multiplicity of rationalities? To what extent are the relations between science and religion dependent upon different cultural framings?

Speakers:

Barbara Drossel, Professor at Institute for Condensed Matter Physics, Technical University of Darmstadt. “Has Science Taken Over the Role of Religion?”

Nils Gilje, Professor at Dept. of Archeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion, University of Bergen. ”Religion, Politics and Secularism in the Political Program of Johan Sverdrup in the 1880s”

Michael Reiss, Professor at Institute of Education, University of London; Chief Executive at Science Learning Centre London. “What Should Be the Role of Religion in Science Education and Bioethics?” 

Gunnar Skirbekk, Professor emeritus at Centre for the Study of the Sciences and the Humanities (SVT), University of Bergen. “Monotheism in Modern Science-based Societies?” 

Jan Helge Solbakk, Professor at Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo. ”The Future of Religious Bioethics” 

Knut-Willy Sæther, Associate Professor at Department of Religious Studies, Volda University College. “How to Relate Science and Religion?” 

Stort Auditorium Lauritz Meltzers hus, Fosswinckelsgate 6

Moderator: Ragnar Fjelland
13:00: Welcome by Head of Department Matthias Kaiser
13:15: Nils Gilje: Religion, Politics and Secularism in the Political Program of
Johan Sverdrup in the 1880s
13:45: Michael Reiss: What Should Be the Role of Religion in Science
Education and Bioethics?
14:15: Coffee break
14:30: Knut-Willy Sæther: How to Relate Science and Religion?
15:00: Barbara Drossel: Has Science Taken Over the Role of Religion?
15:30: Jan Helge Solbakk: The Future of Religious Bioethics
16:00: Coffee break
16:15: Gunnar Skirbekk: Monotheism in Modern Science-based Societies?
16:45-17:00: Plenary, conclusion

During the two days of the Anniversary Symposium, an exhibition presenting the history and identity of the SVT can be seen in the area outside of Stort Auditorium in Lauritz Meltzer’s house.

Questions concerning the program can be directed to Nora S. Vaage at
nora.vaage@svt.uib.no / +47-555 82510