Huron University College will hold its third annual Douglas and Margaret Derry Interdisciplinary Lecture on Monday, Oct. 18 with Florida State University professor Michael Ruse speaking on the topic, “Why can’t the Americans be like the Canadians – an affectionate comparison between the United States and Canada on the subject of religion.”
Ruse will compare how views differ between Canada and the U.S. on the subject of religion, especially evangelical religion denying evolutionary theory. As always, the differences are found in the past, and it is shown how the debate is more than simply science but involves deeply held social values.
Ruse is a professor of Philosophy at Florida State University specializing in the philosophy of biology (especially Darwinism), ethics, and the history and philosophy of science. Prior to his appointment in Florida, Ruse taught at the University of Guelph for 35 years.
He was a state witness in the 1981 test case (McLean v. Arkansas) of the state law permitting the teaching of “creation science” in the Arkansas school system (signed by Governor Frank White). The federal judge ruled that the state law was unconstitutional. Ruse takes the position that it is possible to reconcile the Christian religion with Evolutionary Theory.
The lecture begins at 5 p.m. in Huron’s Kingsmill Room. Free parking is available in the main/south parking lot.
The Derry Lecture is held annually featuring speakers on interdisciplinary topics, illustrating how various disciplines interface with each other.