Abstract

The Muslim world is notable for the presence of various attempts to harmonize faith and modern science: some more academic, others more popular, and often in competition with each other. Muslims in fact tend to conceive religion and science as positively complementary or overlapping, but then disagree on the details of this harmony. This is particularly evident in the debate over evolution, where one finds both creationists and Muslim scientists who accept human evolution (and a range of positions in between). For some time, both external critics of, and participant in the debate, have been describing ideas, and practices related to Islam and science as pseudoscientific. The seminar will offer a map of the contemporary debate on Islam and science, with a focus on the emerging discussion of pseudoscience.

Bio

After obtaining his Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Bologna, Stefano Bigliardi held various teaching and research positions at universities in Germany, Sweden, Mexico and Switzerland. Since 2016 he serves at AUI, Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane ( Morocco) where he is currently associate professor of philosophy. With the Algerian astrophysicist Nidhal Guessoum (American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates) he edits the Cambridge University Press series "Islam and the Sciences" which includes their introductory bookIslam and Science: Past, Present, and Future Debates (2023). 

This event is part of the CMES seminar series spring 2024. For more information, visit the CMES website.