Islam and Evolution
How is evolution taught and understood in Islamic societies? How do Muslim students, parents, and teachers understand evolutionary science in relation to their religious beliefs?
On March 30 and 31, The Evolution Education Research Centre (EERC) will address these questions and host the McGill Symposium on Islam and Evolution, at the Redpath Museum (859 Sherbrooke Street West). The $250,000 Islam and Evolution research project has been ongoing at the Evolution Education Research Center (EERC) at McGill University since 2005. (The study was supported in part through a grant from SSHRC). The core study team comprises Dr. Brian Alters (project PI, McGill University), Dr. Anila Asghar (Johns Hopkins University) and Dr. Jason Wiles (Syracuse and McGill universities).
International experts in Islamic and religious studies, science education, and biological evolution will meet to discuss their views on the relationship between Islam and evolutionary science. The symposium aims to contribute to a broader dialogue and understanding of the relationship between Islam and science.
"Islam is the second largest religion in the world, and estimates indicate it will become the most popular religion sometime in the mid-21st century," said Brian Alters, founder and director of the Evolution Education Research Center and conference chair. "What is the intersection between Muslims and evolutionary science? Our panel of experts from around the globe has provocative thoughts on the issue. Our aim is to start a broader dialogue and understanding of the relationship between Islam and modern science.”
Events:
Monday, March 30:
“Islam and Evolution in 55 Minutes”
An introduction to our experts and their areas of interest
4 p.m-5 p.m.
Tuesday, March 31:
“McGill Symposium on Islam and Evolution”
Presentations of experts’ perspectives throughout the day
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Related events:
Friday, March 27:
A Brief Look into the World of Islamic Creationism:
The Anti-Evolution Propaganda of Harun Yahya
Speaker: Dr. Jason Wiles, Syracuse University
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 29:
Creationist Attacks on Science Education: The Evolutions
of a Parasite
Speaker: Josh Rosenau, National Center for Science Education
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
All events will take place at the Redpath Museum , Auditorium. Admission is free, but seating is limited. The symposium will be available via delayed webcast.
On the Web: https://www.mcgill.ca/eerc/symposium/
