SECOND-LEVEL MASTER'S DEGREE STUDIES IN PHILOSOPHY
SPECIALIZATION: RELATIONS BEWTEEN SCIENCE AND RELIGION
by Wojciech P. Grygiel
Prerequisites:
1. A licentiate degree in philosophy, preferably with the emphasis on philosophy of nature, philosophy of science, epistemology or philosophy of religion. A degree in theology is also acceptable provided that the necessary classwork in philosophy is completed.
2. Good knowledge of English: written and spoken. The studies will require attending lectures, reading assignments as well as taking exams in English. The proficiency in English will be verified by a placement exam at the beginning of studies.
3. Background in natural sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, psychology) is not required but highly appreciable.
4. The program is also open to foreign students who hold a bachelor's degree in philosophy.
Duration: two years (four semesters).
Objectives:
The main goal of the study is to provide a student with the solid background in the contemporary arena of the science/religion relations. These relations have played an important role in the development of human thought since the times of antiquity and have had strong influence on how man conceives and justifies the picture of reality. This includes both the natural representations as well the attitude towards religious belief.
The science/religion studies require an in-depth knowledge of philosophy augmented with the acquaintance of fundamental issues in theology and the contemporary achievements of the natural sciences (cosmology, cognitive sciences, evolutionary biology, neuroscience). In the course of the program, the student will familiarize himself with the history of the science/religion relations such as for example the Galileo case, the Newtonian physics, the theory of evolution. He/she will also deepen his understanding of those areas of contemporary science that border with issues of primary importance within the context of religious beliefs. This includes topics in cosmology, theory of knowledge, anthropology, cognitive sciences, sociology and bioethics. Since the studies will be conducted in English, seminars as well as translational workshops will enhance the proficiency in English by extending the student's vocabulary, composition skills and fluency in expressing thoughts in English.
The Master's thesis will be based on an original research on a selected contemporary aspect of science/religion relations and will be written in English. Upon the completion of the program, the student will be able to understand and critically assess the main factors that affect the development of the relations between faith and science in a multicultural context and what is their impact on the condition of a contemporary society. He/she will be able to fluently communicate and exchange ideas with the English speaking world whereby he will contribute to the broader understanding of mechanisms shaping the perception of reality by a contemporary mind.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Introduction to Philosophy in English (two semesters, 30 h lecture + 30 h tutorial)
This course will consist of a survey of the history of philosophy and is primarily designed to develop the ability of philosophical thinking in English based on the material that the student has already covered in his licentiate curriculum in philosophy. Also, it aims at the strengthening of the student's philosophical vocabulary as well as his reading and speaking skills. Also, an emphasis will be made on these topics that are central to the science/religion dialogue: philosophy of religion, philosophy of language, philosophy of man, human cognition and ethics.
Philosophy of Science (three semesters, 30 h lecture + 30 h tutorial)
This is a major course that will combine the following sections: (a) history of science, (b) scientific methodology, (c) epistemological issues in science, (d) theories of scientific growth. Its goal is to recap and expand on the main issues that are covered in a junior philosophy of science course with particular emphasis on the contemporary issues expressed in the framework of English thinking.
Introduction to Science (two semesters, 30 h lecture) : basic philosophy of mathematics, concepts of physics, elements of chemistry and biology. This course may be waived in case a student holds strong background in natural sciences.
History of the Science/Religion Relations: (one semester (2), 30h lecture) a course covering the history of relations between science and religion.
Contemporary issues in the science/religion relations (one semester (3), 30h lecture): a variety of selected topics ranging from natural sciences, anthropology through phenomenology of religion and theology.
Electives (cross listed with standard program for philosophy majors studying in Polish) covering: theology, philosophy of religion, psychology, Biblical hermeneutics, philosophy of physics, philosophy of mathematics.
Seminar (four semesters, 30 h).
Translational workshop (four semesters, 30h).
Thesis
