On March 26, 2016, Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary hosted Dr Alexander Pavuk of Morgan State University for a public lecture on March 26, 2016. Dr Pavuk is Assistant Professor of History at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. He holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Delaware. His research fields include the history of science and history of religion in American public life during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
The lecture began with working definitions of ‘Science’ and ‘Scientism,’ the proper role of philosophy, and how the idea of science has changed over the course of hundreds and even thousands of years to the present day. He outlined a history of real and perceived conflict between more recent philosophers since the Western-European “Enlightenment” and different Western Church authorities, and what was behind those conflicts, especially in relation to different understandings of fallen human nature and its potentiality for being healed. He described the confusion created by Scientism and how it was employed by major thinkers in pursuit of societal perfection, including Karl Marx.
Dr Pavuk offered a solid resolution to perceived conflicts through understanding the difference between science and philosophy, and also by understanding more traditional approaches to Biblical narratives, especially the Eastern Orthodox patristic interpretation of Holy Scriptures.
Did you find this video edifying?
Please help us create similar content with a monthly pledge:
