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How has the idea of progress shaped modern society? Updated 6 February 2024 (c) 2024 The idea of progress in Judeo-Christian thought Robert Nisbet defines the “idea of progress” as the notion that mankind has advanced in the past, from barbarism and ignorance, is now advancing, and will continue to advance through the foreseeable future Continue reading How has the idea of progress shaped modern society? Is modern science socially constructed and forever tentative? Updated 7 April 2024 (c) 2024 Introduction Writers from the discipline known variously as “postmodern science studies” or “sociology of scientific knowledge” are often cited in discussions of science, philosophy and religion. Some of these writers, notably Karl Popper and Thomas Kuhn, have had significant impact on Continue reading Is modern science socially constructed and forever tentative? Have science and religion always been at war? Updated 7 August 2023 (c) 2023 Introduction In the recent Cosmos series, as well as in some widely available science videos distributed by the Learning Company (and available on Netflix), noted physicist/cosmologist Neil deGrasse Tyson reviews, in a very entertaining yet informative way, the history of science Continue reading Have science and religion always been at war? Is modern society in decline? Updated 6 February 2024 (c) 2024 Introduction It is widely believed that modern society is in sharp decline. Among the ills cited are skyrocketing rates of crime, divorce, teenage sex, teenage births and drug abuse; war; and a general decline in personal morality and religiosity. There is also concern that Continue reading Is modern society in decline? What does the new atheist literature say about science and religion? Updated 7 August 2023 (c) 2023 The “new atheists” Recently numerous books and articles have been published with rather strong criticisms of religion and the practice of religion. The four most prominent authors are Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens, who Continue reading What does the atheist literature say about science and religion? How many scientists question evolution? Updated 7 August 2023 (c) 2023 Dissenters from evolution It is often said that many scientists, including some significant credentials in the field, now believe there are serious difficulties with modern evolutionary theory. Indeed, there are some scientists who dissent. For example, in 2005 Philip Skell, a retired chemistry professor Continue reading How many scientists question evolution? How reliable is geologic dating? Updated 9 October 2023 (c) 2023 Introduction In a separate article Radiometric dating), we sketched in some technical detail how dates are calculated using radiometric dating techniques. As we pointed out in that article, radiometric dates are based on known rates of radioactivity, a phenomenon that is rooted in fundamental Continue reading How reliable is geologic dating? How does radiometric dating work? Updated 7 August 2023 (c) 2023 Introduction Radiometric dating is the most common type of technique employed by researchers to reckon dates for the geologic eras and individual specimens or layers. Radiometric dating is rooted in the rates of radioactive decay of various isotopes, which rates have been measured carefully Continue reading How does radiometric dating work? How reliable is radiocarbon dating? Updated 7 August 2023 (c) 2023 Introduction Radiocarbon dating, which is also known as carbon-14 dating, is one widely used radiometric dating scheme to determine dates of ancient artifacts. In discussions of the age of the Earth and the antiquity of the human race, creationists often assail perceived weaknesses in Continue reading How reliable is radiocarbon dating? Do probability arguments refute evolution? Updated 4 May 2024 (c) 2024 Introduction In the past few decades, modern science has uncovered a universe that is far vaster and more awe-inspiring than ever imagined before, together with a set of elegant natural laws that deeply resonate with the idea of a cosmic lawgiver (and isn’t it Continue reading Do probability arguments refute evolution? |
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