1. Science and Faith Thoughts for Physics 101

2. Billions and billions? We’ve been talking about the Big Bang and a multi-billion year old universe. This may contradict, or seem to contradict, the religious faith of some. Do you think it appropriate, in a public university, to teach that the universe is billions of years old? A. Yes B. Yes, but other viewpoints should be presented. C. No D. Unsure

3. Billions and billions? Comments? Questions?

4. How should we handle this? The lecture will focus on what is widely accepted by the scientific community. Strive to understand the material; be prepared to explain the reasoning. You do not have to agree! Please express your opinion respectfully.

5. Worldview Everyone has a worldview. Your worldview determines how you interpret what you see, hear, read and experience. Worldviews are influenced by religion, culture, philosophy and politics. (Why are these things difficult to discuss?) Does science have a particular worldview?

6. Scientists and their beliefs Scientists come from a variety of backgrounds, including differing religious faiths: Christians, Jews and Muslims Hindus, Buddhists agnostics, atheists Yet, scientific consensus happens! Why is that?

7. Things all scientists believe 1. Humans are capable of studying and understanding nature (at least partially). 2. The natural world is governed by laws of cause and effect. 3. The laws of nature are the same throughout time and space. 4. Natural laws can be discovered through observation. Logic isn’t enough. 5. Scientific work is worthwhile. (Adapted from Origins by Deborah and Loren Haarsma)

8. The study of astronomy not only gives pleasure but is also extremely useful. And no one can deny that it admirably reveals the wisdom of God. Therefore, clever men who expend their labor upon it are to be praised and those who have ability and leisure ought not to neglect work of that kind. —John Calvin More questions or comments (time permitting)

9. Team activity: concept map In your backyard With a telescope The universe Is expanding! ??

10. Recorder: draw this on a piece of paper In your backyard With a telescope The universe Is expanding!

11. Spectroscopic parallax Trigonometric parallax Cepheid variables Standard candle HR diagram Type I supernovae Globular clusters Some terms you may use Galaxies Hubble’s law Redshift

12. Pick up a review sheet on your way out