Mark Hansard continues his series on Faith and Reason, exploring a key twentieth- and twenty-first century philosopher. For the previous entries in the series, and other work by Mark, click here. Alvin Plantinga (1932- ), is a contemporary Christian philosopher who has had an enormous impact on modern philosophy of religion in the areas of metaphysics, epistemology, and arguments for God's existence. For many years he was the John A. O'Brien professor of philosophy at Notre Dame. He received his Ph.D. in … [Read more...] about Faith and Reason Part 6: Plantinga
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Science Book Review: The Big Nine – How the Tech Titans & Their Thinking Machines Could Warp Humanity
Amy Webb, author of The Big Nine – How the Tech Titans & Their Thinking Machines Could Warp Humanity, describes herself as a futurist, a job I wasn't entirely sure actually existed outside of science fiction. Sure, plenty of people reason about the future and some do so in rigorous and quantitative fashion, but often in very narrow and specialized areas--predicting stock markets or elections or planning for consumer trends. Futurism strikes me as needing more of a generalist, and Webb seems to fit the bill. She takes … [Read more...] about Science Book Review: The Big Nine – How the Tech Titans & Their Thinking Machines Could Warp Humanity
Science Corner: Portrait of an Emerging Scholar
This post discusses the film Tolkien. I don't think there is anything in this film to spoil, given that it depicts events from a century ago, but consider yourself advised. Tolkien, a biographical film about author and philologist J. R. R. Tolkien, is admittedly a stretch from my usual science-themed fare. But when I realized the advertising of the film underplayed its focus on the early days of Tolkien's scholarly career, I figured I should bring it to the attention of this community. Consider it the inverse of … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Portrait of an Emerging Scholar
Science Corner: Adding to the Conversation
Last week I mentioned an opportunity to hear from mathematician Francis Su on the topic The Integration of Faith and the Academic Calling (a webinar cohosted by ESN and the Society of Christian Scholars). I am not aware of any opportunities to view the presentation after the fact, so for those of you who were unable to participate, I will share a few highlights. He covers some similar territory in an interview with Quanta (text, video), his Mathematical Association of America presidential address, and this article on … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Adding to the Conversation
ESN News: A Leadership Transition
Photo: At Urbana 18, we held a staff party to celebrate Tom's great work with ESN (Emerging Scholars Network). This picture shows Tom and Theresa Grosh, their daughter Ellen, and InterVarsity Grad/Faculty Ministry Colleagues Bobby Gross (Vice President for GFM), Kathy Tuan-Maclean (Director of Faculty Ministry), and Hannah Eagleson (ESN). With both sorrow and joy, we announce that Tom Grosh IV will be transitioning to a new role as an area director with CMDA (Christian Medical and Dental Association) in South … [Read more...] about ESN News: A Leadership Transition