FRS 002G —
Sec. 001 —
(2 units) — CRN 55902 — 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%).
Text: 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.