Introduction

A considerable part of Evandro Agazzi’s contribution to philosophy is devoted to the problem of the relationship between science and religion. This topic is very important and there is a long-standing and insightful tradition in many philo­sophical and scientific circles in the United States, Europe and other countries, dedicated to the challenge posed to religious belief (Christian, Hebrew, Muslim or other creeds) by modern science and technology.

The problem can be viewed from many different perspectives. In English­speaking cultures, where science is often taken more seriously than in other cultural domains, an academic concern for the theological implications dictated by certain scientific views is widespread in many authors and initiatives. One might recall, for instance, the efforts of the Templeton Foundation to foster research surrounding the big questions posed by science, placing them within the background of religious

J.J. Sanguineti (*)

Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome, Italy e-mail: sanguineti@pusc.it © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015

M. Alai et al. (eds.), Science Between Truth and Ethical Responsibility, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-16369-7_23

faith and theology. This special attention to the positive relationship between science and religion flourished in many other international academies and scientific groups in recent decades, in spite of the misunderstanding and tension which are at times translated into ideological positions, especially in the field of education.

With regard to an analysis of this issue, Agazzi can be said to hold the perspec­tive of philosophy of science. If traditionally science was seen as an intellectual enterprise connected to wisdom and contemplation of God, why in modern times is science often associated with atheism or viewed as a rational enterprise that must inevitably conflict with religious faith?

This chapter presents Agazzi’s considerations on this topic according to two main points. First, I discuss what I consider to be Agazzi’s main contribution to the problem, namely his analysis of modern empirical and natural science which often became a source of systematic conflict with religious beliefs. Second, I focus on the relationship between metaphysical insight and religious faith, which in my view is a necessary condition for the harmony between natural science and reli­gion. I will especially highlight Agazzi’s notion of rational faith as a helpful ele­ment in a correct understanding of the whole of these points.

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