An 8 page research paper that presents an argumentative essay on the conflict between science and religion. The writer argues that examination of these two schools of thought demonstrates that while certainly there is a place for religion in society, it was the advent of modern science that propelled the engines of progress to produce the world as we know it today. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
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of science and religion represent diametrically opposed worldviews. Examination of these two schools of thought demonstrates that while certainly there is a place for religion in society, it was the
advent of modern science that propelled the engines of progress to produce the world as we know it today. At either end of the philosophical spectrum that separates religion and
science, proponents on both sides assert to have a clear vision of the truth. Evangelical and fundamentalist religious believers of all faiths see the world as "black-and-white," that is, they
feel that they know the truth and that all others are responsible for the worlds troubles (Frazier, 2001). They mistakenly feel that the pursuit of scientific knowledge, particularly in regards
to the theory of evolution, undermines human values and dignity (Frazier, 2001). This position holds that only through the medium of scripture or religious tradition can humanity come to know
the ultimate truths about existence (Nord, 1999). In this camp, creation "scientists" begin with the assumption that they already know the truth about nature from studying scripture and work
to obtain scientific evidence to confirm what they already consider to be true (Nord, 1999). The opposing camp consists of the established, mainstream scientific community. Proponents of this position believe
that it is only through science and the scientific method of inquiry that human beings can obtain reliable knowledge (Nord, 1999). Examination of the characteristics of this debate demonstrate that,
while both sides represent legitimate and important realms of epistemology, it is science that has resulted in the greatest expansion of knowledge and the most progress that the human race
has ever experienced. History itself is perhaps the best demonstration of the difference between the scientific and the religious perspective. Throughout the middle Ages, the Catholic Church controlled philosophical