Mapping Human Reason

Abstract

This chapter looks at the ‘maps’ of human reason, focussing on how different academic disciplines work with different—and often divergent—notions of rationality. Particular attention is paid to ‘scientism’—the view that the natural sciences are the ultimate rational authority. Attention then turns to interdisciplinary issues, focussing on the relation of science and religion; and the notion and location of a boundary between science and religion are examined. The chapter explores the ideas that these two fields might represent different perspectives on reality, or that they can be seen as engaging different levels of reality. Noting how concepts of rationality and their associated practices vary according to their cultural and disciplinary context, various accounts of the relation between science and religion are considered as potential frameworks for understanding how they might engage in a meaningful dialogue.