CSSP lecture on 28th October "Scientifically ‘Religious’ and Religiously ‘Scientific’: Ethnography of Science and Religion" by Renny Thomas

Centre for Studies in Science Policy

School of Social Sciences, JNU

Invites you to a

Talk on

 

Scientifically 'Religious' and Religiously 'Scientific': Ethnography of Science and Religion

By

 

Renny Thomas

 

Assistant Professor in Sociology and Social Anthropology

Jesus and Mary College (JMC), Delhi University

 

 

Venue:  Room No. 227, 2^nd Floor, SSS-1

Time:   3:00 P.M.

Date:    Wednesday, 28^th October 2015

 

Abstract: To think of the relation between science and religion in terms of the binaries of 'conflict' and 'complementarity' is both analytically and descriptively inadequate. Using this formulation, the paper attempts to discuss through detailed ethnographic description, the manner in which scientists in a leading Indian scientific research institute defined and practiced religion and atheism(s). Instead of posing science and religion as dichotomous categories the paper demonstrates its easy coexistence within the everyday lives and practices of Indian scientists.

About the Speaker: Renny Thomas is an Assistant Professor in Sociology and Social Anthropology at Jesus and Mary College (JMC), Delhi University. He has submitted his PhD at the Centre for the Study of Social Systems, School of Social Sciences, JNU. His PhD project is an ethnographic study of the religious beliefs and practices of scientists in India. His publications include 'Being Religious, Being Scientific: Science, Religion and Atheism in Contemporary India' in Yiftach Fehige (ed.) Science and Religion: East and West (Routledge, forthcoming), 'Science, Religion and Cultural Atheism(s): Ethnography of a Discourse' in Susan Visvanathan (ed.) Institutions, Adaptation and Change: Essays for T. K. Oommen (forthcoming).

 

All are welcome to attend the lecture.

Coordinators, CSSP Lecture Series