Inherit the Wind Based on a Real Event

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY PHIL2130 Take home test #1 Instructor: B. P. Wetstein October 20, 2010

Inherit the Wind--based on a real event--depicts an important chapter in American history, specifically the conflict that arose when teaching science that undermines biblical teachings. While that controversy is interesting in itself, the movie has some other, broader philosophic implications, the substance of which will be the task of your first assignment. Discuss one or two of the following questions: 1. Does religious intolerance still impede or conflict with contemporary science? If so how and why, and what can be done about it. 2. Does society’s growing disinterest and intolerance of religion come at a price? 3. In a Free society, does freedom of religion also mean freedom from religion? 4. Can Science and Religion peacefully and helpfully co-exist? 5. Is Science the new Religion? 6. Can Science ever offer what Religion can? 7. Pick a recent development in the science such as cloning, gene therapy, new models of the cosmos etc, and discuss why they can prove threatening to a religious outlook.

Instructions: Your work should limited to 1000 words. Spelling, grammar, coherence and breadth of thought are all important and will factor in your grade. The test is marked as a whole and is out of 100 marks. Please submit this assignment at the beginning of class Friday, October 29, 2010. Late papers, with no excuse, will lose 10% the first day and 5% per day after that (excluding weekends).