Scientific inquiry is shaped by evolving understandings of data, evidence, and the laws that appear to govern the natural world. Whether through the rise of big data, new empirical methods, or debates about the nature of scientific explanation, contemporary philosophy of science continues to refine how we interpret what science tells us about reality. These developments raise important questions not only for scientists and philosophers but also for theologians and scholars of religion who seek to engage constructively with scientific knowledge.
This conference explores how concepts such as evidence, natural laws, causation, and explanation function within scientific practice, and how these concepts intersect with religious and theological perspectives. As scientific disciplines generate increasingly complex forms of data and expand into new domains—from climate modelling to neuroscience and artificial intelligence—long‑standing questions about meaning, agency, and truth gain fresh urgency.
Bringing together philosophers of science, theologians, historians, and scientists, this conference will examine how religious thought can respond to, challenge, or be enriched by contemporary accounts of scientific reasoning. We will consider how different traditions interpret evidence, whether religious and scientific explanations can coexist or complement one another, and how metaphysical commitments shape our understanding of natural laws.
Through interdisciplinary dialogue, we aim to explore how scientific and religious communities might engage more fruitfully—offering deeper insight not only into the workings of the natural world but also into the broader human search for understanding.
Approximate running times BST (tbc):
20th November: 12noon - 5pm (conference)
21st November: 9am - 2pm
In addition to keynote papers the conference will host short and lightning papers. We welcome abstract submissions from philosophers, theologians, scientists, historians, students and interdisciplinary scholars and students. Contributions may be theoretical, methodological, or case‑study‑based, and we particularly encourage submissions that bridge disciplinary boundaries.
* note whilst all papers must engage with science and religion/worldviews the Forum welcomes submissions related natural and/or social sciences.
This conference will explore how current philosophical understandings of data, natural laws, evidence, and explanation shape—and are shaped by—conversations with theology and religious studies. As scientific practice evolves in response to new methods, technologies, and conceptual frameworks, fresh opportunities arise for constructive engagement across disciplines.
While abstracts on any relevant topic are invited, submissions may wish to engage one or more of the following key themes:
1. The Nature of Evidence: Scientific, Theological, and Interdisciplinary Perspectives
How do different disciplines understand what counts as “evidence”? Can theological or experiential forms of evidence be placed in dialogue with scientific standards? What challenges arise when evidence is mediated through models, simulations, or interpretive frameworks?
2. Laws of Nature, Causation, and Divine Action
How are natural laws conceived within contemporary philosophy of science, and what implications do these conceptions have for discussions of providence, miracle, agency, and divine action? Are scientific and theological accounts of causation compatible or fundamentally distinct?
3. Data‑Driven Science and Its Philosophical and Theological Implications
With the rise of big data, machine learning, and data‑intensive methods, how is scientific reasoning changing? How might theology respond to questions of inference, uncertainty, pattern recognition, and the role of human interpretation in data‑rich contexts?
4. Explanation, Understanding, and Meaning Across Disciplines
What makes an explanation satisfactory in science or religion? How do metaphysical commitments influence interpretive choices? Can scientific and theological explanations coexist, complement, or challenge one another in offering understanding of the world?
Abstracts are due midnight 30th September. Successful speakers will be notified by 19th October.
Use of AI
In line with current expectations around the use of AI in academic publishing, and in order to preserve academic integrity and ethical standards The following conditions apply to the use of AI in submissions to the Forum's conferences, journal, and essay prize.
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This applies to all forms of AI capable of generating text, imagery, data visualisations, or analytical suggestions based on user prompts. (E.g.text generators, code assistants, and automated visualisation platforms.)
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AI must never be used to fabricate content or substitute genuine scholarly input. Any involvement must support, not replace, human expertise.
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The individual submitting the work is entirely accountable for its accuracy, credibility, and compliance with academic standards.
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AI tools may be used to:
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Refine grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.
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Produce diagrams or figures based on legitimate data, provided sources are cited.
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Assist in planning or outlining, provided final content is independently authored.
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AI tools must not be used to:
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Invent data, references, or analytical findings.
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Rephrase or reproduce existing texts without proper acknowledgement.
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Generate content that is passed off as original scholarly interpretation.
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Any use of AI tools must be declared clearly within the manuscript or accompanying documentation. Disclosures should include:
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The name(s) of any tools used.
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The precise function they served (e.g., proofreading, data visualisation).
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E.g. "AI assistance was limited to grammar editing using [Tool Name]. All research analysis and content development were conducted independently by the author"
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The Committee reserve the right to request clarification or resubmission should AI involvement appear excessive or undeclared. Submissions found to have violated these guidelines may face rejection, withdrawal, or formal notification to affiliated parties.