Naturalism – as Religion, within Religions, or without Religion?
Star Island, Isles of Shoals, NH
The June 27 – July 4, 2020

The natural sciences have enabled humans to develop mind-boggling technologies. But to many, the sciences offer still more: an encompassing and coherent understanding of reality. If the sciences shape one’s view of the world, one might speak of science-inspired naturalism. What are the consequences of science-inspired naturalism for religion? In this conference, we will explore and evaluate options available to those who take science seriously. Briefly, these could be characterized as replacement, reform, and rejection.

We invite proposals for short papers on the theme of the conference or on other aspects of the interactions of science and religion. Topics can be approached from various perspectives, such as science, philosophy, religious studies or theology, history, psychology or sociology. They may consider traditions such as Christianity, Islam or Buddhism; contemporary developments such as religious naturalism, spirituality, or the rise of nones; naturalism in relation to philosophical topics such as moral motivation and values, consciousness, mathematics, or scientific methodology; the history of any such developments; their usefulness in addressing individual needs or global and planetary concerns; and so on.

We look forward as well to proposals for panels with up to four participants, addressing a particular issue from multiple angles.

Proposals will be peer reviewed. A few Shapley-Booth fellowships for room and board will be awarded to applicants with individual paper proposals deemed strongest.

We intend to inform those who submitted a proposal of decisions on acceptance and on fellowships before the end of 2019.

Proposals should include an abstract of not more than 400 words, prepared for anonymous review, with 5 to 10 keywords. If the proposal is for a panel, please indicate the topic to be discussed and list the intended panelists in the abstract. Proposals can be submitted using the form on the right.

The deadline for proposals for the 2020 Star Island conference is November 30, 2019.

With questions on short papers and panels, please approach Willem B. Drees, w.b.drees@tilburguniversity.edu.