In recent years, it has been argued that the emergence and success of the scientific project in certain ways has been closely tied to religious ideas and institutions. This begs the question of the relation between images of God/divinity/the sacred and the pursuit of knowledge and representation of the world, and in particular scientific knowledge characterised by its quality of enabling control and manipulation of the natural world.
I am currently working on a monograph exploring how the development and structure of science is related to such images that were prevalent during its development, the interplay with the cultural and philosophical environment, and further what the implications may be for the current state and future success of science and the University. The findings will be presented for the non-expert educated reader to make them relevant for a wide audience.
This work is supported by Harald & Louise Ekman Research Foundation, Helge Ax:son Johnson Foundation, and the Foundation for Theological Education and Research.