This module provides an overview of science and religion as historical phenomena. Professor Courtenay Raia discusses how these fields have evolved over time, focusing on the disenchanted Western cosmologies and the magical traditions that shaped early scientific inquiry.
The course begins with an introduction to the intricate relationships between science, magic, and religion. Professor Courtenay Raia outlines the course objectives and provides an overview of the historical contexts that will be explored. Students will gain insight into the foundational concepts that will shape their understanding of the subject matter.
This module explores Greek mysticism and the development of rational thought. It examines how ancient Greek philosophers integrated mystical elements into their rational frameworks, influencing the later evolution of both science and religion. Students will analyze key figures and texts that shaped this intellectual landscape.
Focusing on the Patristic Period, this module investigates how early Christian thinkers reconciled Greek philosophy with Christian doctrine. It highlights the role of mysticism in the formation of early theological concepts and the impact on subsequent scientific thought. Key figures and their contributions will be discussed.
This module delves into the Witch Craze, exploring its historical context and the sociocultural factors that fueled this phenomenon. Students will examine the intersection of superstition, religion, and early scientific thought that contributed to the persecution of alleged witches. The implications for science and religion will also be analyzed.
This module examines the Reformation and its revolutionary impact on both religion and scientific thought. Students will analyze how the Reformation challenged established authorities and contributed to a new understanding of the relationship between faith and reason. The consequences for the evolution of Western thought will be discussed.
In the 17th Century Thought module, students will explore the intellectual shifts that occurred during this pivotal time. The module will cover the emergence of mechanical philosophy and its implications for the understanding of nature and divinity. Key thinkers and their contributions will be highlighted.
This module focuses on Sir Isaac Newton and the Enlightenment, examining how Newton's work revolutionized scientific thought. Students will analyze the interplay between Newtonian physics and religious beliefs, exploring how they influenced societal views on nature and the universe during the Enlightenment era.
This module discusses Mechanical Philosophy, which emerged as a dominant scientific paradigm during the early modern period. Students will explore its key principles and the ways it influenced both scientific inquiry and religious thought. The contrast with earlier mystical perspectives will also be analyzed.
In this module, students will explore the connections between religion and political turmoil during times of regicide and revolution. The implications of these events on the relationship between science and religion will also be examined, highlighting how political contexts can influence philosophical thought.
This module provides an overview of science and religion as historical phenomena. Professor Courtenay Raia discusses how these fields have evolved over time, focusing on the disenchanted Western cosmologies and the magical traditions that shaped early scientific inquiry.
In this module, the relationship between nature and Romanticism is examined, focusing on how Romantic thinkers viewed nature as imbued with spiritual significance. Students will analyze the implications of this perspective for the understanding of science and religion during the Romantic era.
This module explores Charles Darwin's contributions to science and the implications of his theories on the relationship between science and religion. Students will analyze the reactions to Darwinism and its impact on contemporary religious beliefs, fostering discussions about faith and scientific understanding.
This module focuses on the intertwining of Romanticism and Spiritualism, examining how these movements influenced each other. Students will explore how Romantic ideas about nature and the self contributed to the rise of Spiritualism, impacting perceptions of the supernatural and the divine.
This module investigates psychical research and its emergence as a field of study in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Students will explore the connections between psychical research, science, and religion, examining how these domains intersected in the quest for understanding human consciousness.
This module explores the contributions of human sciences and the work of Sigmund Freud in understanding the psyche. Students will analyze the implications of Freud's theories on religion and spirituality, discussing how they influenced views on faith and the subconscious.
In this module, students will examine the Gnostic Revival, a movement that sought to rediscover ancient Gnostic texts and ideas. The implications of this revival for contemporary spirituality and its relationship with traditional religious practices will be explored, offering insights into modern spiritual quests.
This module focuses on 20th Century Physics, discussing how advancements in physics influenced philosophical and religious thought. Students will explore the implications of theories such as relativity and quantum mechanics on conceptions of reality and existence, fostering discussions on science and spirituality.
This module investigates Quantum Mechanics and its revolutionary implications for scientific understanding. Students will explore how concepts from quantum theory challenge traditional notions of reality and their potential spiritual interpretations, fostering discussions on the intersection of science and mysticism.
In this final module, students will explore Spiritualism in the New Age, examining how contemporary spiritual movements draw on historical traditions. Discussions will focus on the synthesis of science and spirituality in modern contexts, highlighting the ongoing evolution of these ideas.
In the final lecture, Professor Courtenay Raia summarizes the key themes of the course, reflecting on the evolution of science, magic, and religion. Students will engage in discussions that encapsulate their learning journey and the ongoing relevance of these topics in contemporary society.