Take Home Exam II
Science and Religion
HUM242
Spring 2007
Drs. Foy and Diener
The Rules;
You may use any resource that you can find. The answers must be formulated and written by
you, and your signature on your test or e-mail submission indicates that you followed the rules of
this test, and the general spirit of academic honesty.
Your answers must be word-processed, no hand-written answers will be graded. The answers
must be at least 12-point font, and each answer must be limited to 300 words.
THIS EXAM IS DUE ANYTIME BEFORE 9:30 AM TUESDAY APRIL 19, 2007
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(16 points)
The Question, “Was the Universe Created?” seems to be primarily a religious question, for
created suggests a Creator, which usually implies God. Do you agree? Why or Why Not?
Which of the following non-religious ways of asking this question do you support: Was the
universe always here? If the universe was not always here, does this mean that it was
created? Is the universe finite? Is the universe contingent? Does the scientific “Big Bang”
theory imply that the universe was created? Why? (Please respond to all questions)
(16 points)
Recall the article “ Einstein’s Leap of Faith” which dealt with Einstein’s science and
religion. How would you characterize Einstein’s religion? Was he a theist? An enemy of
religion (in the conflict camp)? Which of the four C’s do you think he would have been
most comfortable with? Can Einstein serve as a model for today’s scientists? Why or Why
Not?
(16 points)
Why is Haught so interested in chaos theory? Do you feel that this theory is sufficient to
explain complexity in nature? Try to provide another theory or explanation that would help
support complexity.
(16 points)
Is it plausible to argue, as Haught does, that mind has always been a part of the universe
and therefore we humans as mental beings truly belong here? Why or Why Not?
(15 points)
In what specific ways is religion responsible for the ecological crisis? Which of the five
following additional areas of blame would you hold responsible: Business/economics,
human greed/materialism, technology, education, politics? Can you think of other areas
which also deserve blame? How would you rank the six areas above in terms of their
relative culpability? Why?
(15 points)
Recall the Primack and Abram’s argument that humans are at the center of the universe.
Are they saying that this gives the universe a purpose? Do you agree with their argument?
Why or Why Not?