"Is Nature All There Is?"

A dialogue sponsored by the Oregon State University Socratic Club

Monday, March 3, at 7 p.m.

Milam Auditorium on the OSU campus.

Speakers are Edward B. Davis and Sharyn Clough.

Philosophers have long debated whether the material universe is all there is or whether nature is governed by intelligence and purpose. The question usually takes the form of whether there is a God who created and governs nature or whether the universe should be understood solely in terms of matter or energy and motion. Is reality identical with the physical universe (the materialist view) or does nature point to something beyond itself, a supernatural realm with a God to whom the natural world bears witness (the theistic view)? Two scholars representing different fields, Edward Davis and Sharyn Clough, will discuss the question in an attempt to clarify the issues and offer some answers. This debate is funded with the generous support of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute.

Edward B. Davis is Professor of the History of Science at Messiah College in Grantham, Pennsylvania. Best known for editing (with Michael Hunter) The Works of Robert Boyle (1999-2000), his research has focused on the interplay of science and Christianity during the scientific revolution. With support from the National Science Foundation and the John Templeton Foundation, he is currently writing about the religious beliefs of prominent American scientists during the 1920s.

Sharyn Clough is Associate Professor of Philosophy at OSU. She holds a masters degree in religious studies and a PhD in the history and philosophy of science. Her interdisciplinary background informs her research about the choices people make as scientists, citizens, and members of faith communities. She is the author/editor of several books, scholarly essays, and reviews on these topics.