FRS 002J — Sec. 001
— (2 units) — CRN 65534 — T 5:10 – 7:00 pm — 25
Wellman
Modern Physics, Cosmology and Religion
Instructor: John Jungerman, Department of Physics, College
of Letters
and Science
Description: This course begins with a discussion
of the methods
for determining truth in science and religion and the relationship of science
and religion in the West. This seminar explores the ideas of modern physics
using relativity and quantum mechanics to show that our world is
interconnected,
indeterminate, and not predictable at the level of individual particles, and
is a source of spontaneous creativity — in contrast to the
Newtonian view.
We briefly discuss non-linear, self organizing systems to explore
their creativity
and lack of predictability. From the vantage point of particle
physics we shall
explore the Big Bang theory of the origin of the universe. We shall discuss
the evolution of the cosmos, including the delicate balance of
physical constants
and forces that have permitted life to evolve. Throughout the course we shall
relate our physical universe to the process philosophy of Alfred N. Whitehead
and the theology derived from it.
Format: Class will meet for two hours of
presentation and discussion.
A video will be shown in most sessions. Students will write a two-page essay
each week describing their personal reactions to that week’s assignment
from the texts and handouts. During class students will be divided
into several
groups to discuss the assignment among themselves and then report
their findings
to the class. Grading: Students will be
graded on their
intellectual contribution to the discussions (50%) and on the
quality of their
essays (50%).
Texts: World in Process, Interconnection and Creativity in
the New Physics, John A. Jungerman.
Guest Lecturer: T. William Hall is Professor
Emeritus of Syracuse
University, where, for twenty years, he was Professor of Religion,
specializing
in Philosophy of Religion.
About the Instructor: Professor Jungerman received his Ph.D.
degree in nuclear physics from the University of California,
Berkeley subsequent
to war-time involvement with the Manhattan Project. He was a faculty member
in the Physics Department of the University of California, Davis, from 1951
to 1991 and presently is Professor of Physics Emeritus. He was
recalled to teach
(with Prof. P. Craig) a course they initiated on “The Science
and Technology
of Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Arms Control” and another on
“Environmental
Physics.” Prof. Jungerman recently has also given a course on
“Modern
Physics and Religion” at the Starr King School for the
Ministry in Berkeley.
He was Founding Director of Crocker Nuclear Laboratory, and more
recently served
for several years as Chair of the Department of Physics at UCD. In 2000 this
course was awarded a Templeton Prize to encourage dialogue between
science and
religion.