THE AUSTIN FACULTY ROUNDTABLE
CONVERSATIONS ON SCIENCE AND RELIGION
About The Austin Faculty Roundtable
The Austin Faculty Roundtable on Science and Religion at the University of Texas is a program dedicated to fostering dialogue that explores the intersection of academic thought with ethics, worldview, research and every shade of religious and nonreligious thought on issues related to science, philosophy and religion. Select community leaders are invited to ensure a diversity of viewpoints as we focus on the questions and shared concerns of the various fields of science and modes of understanding religious life, practices, beliefs and experiences, with the aim of building mutual relationships of trust and creativity.
The event usually includes dinner, wine, dessert and discussion after brief remarks from our presenters. At the close of our evening, we include time for questions and comments directed to each other and to our presenters.
The Roundtables have been sponsored and funded in part by the John Templeton Foundation, a philanthropic catalyst for discoveries related to the big questions of human purpose and ultimate reality. Additional funding has been provided by generous scholars and foundations invested in the intersection of science and faith.
Upcoming Events
Why Religion? A Cultural Anthropologist and Religion Ethicist Discuss
Why is religion still so prevalent in our modern world? And why do so many adherents and challengers of religion continue to argue and wrestle with the questions it raises? From the systems and structures that shape society to the personal beliefs and practices that animate how we navigate our lives religion plays a powerful force in our world. Ward Keeler and Bharat Ranganathan will be sharing with us their perspectives on these questions from both their scholarly and personal experiences.
Let us know if you'll be attending!
What People Have Said About Other Roundtable Events
"The most recent event was of great interest to the table at which I participated.
The speakers were among the best we've ever had."
Professor of Sociomedical Sciences in Public Health
“Unlike a straightforward lecture, which people tend to engage with primarily intellectually and often combatively, this dinner and talk allowed for a kind of fellowship and mutual respect to develop that held a space for differences of opinion to co-exist and for new friendships to form. This sort of networking experience was very powerful!”
Professor of Religious Studies
“I thought it was great and provided a safe space to have some interesting conversations with other faculty that I certainly would have never had otherwise.”
Professor of Applied Mathematics
"This was one of the best talks at the Roundtables that I have attended!"
Professor of English and Comparative Literature
“The program was provocative; the evening was deeply satisfying.
This was sociability at its best.”
Professor of Philosophy
“Interesting views on Science and its 'provability' as expressed by the presenters. I am a chemical engineer and found
the arguments fascinating.”
Professor of Engineering