Author

Dean Schneck

Document Type

Plan B - Open Access

Award Date

1980

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Rural Sociology

First Advisor

Robert Mendelsohn

Abstract

This study explored the following question, ·What type of "relationship" exists between academic statuses and a religious orientation? Three objectives guided the theme of this paper: 1. Present the views of the Pre-Empirical Period on the compatibility of science and religion. 2. Examine Twentieth Century empirical investigations on the compatibility of science and religion in the lives of academicians. 3. Develop a typology of research conclusions pertaining to the compatibility of science and religion in the lives of academicians. Data concerning the compatibility of science and religion in academicians' lives was extracted from secondary sources whose populations were scientists, college faculty, and graduate students. Researchers' conclusions concerning compatibility were classified into three groups, those asserting, 1. compatibility, 2. partial compatibility, and 3. incompatibility. Evidence indicated all three assertions had some support; however, the "compatibility" conclusion appeared the most viable argument. Although traditional support for the "incompatibility" argument was based upon the reasoning that a scholarly education displaced a scientific orientation; an examination of research, both agreeing and disagreeing with this reasoning, overwhelmingly indicated religiosity was determined prior to the reception of a scholarly education. It was the conclusion of this study that scientific and religious perspectives do represent distinctly different ways of relating to the world. However, it was also evident the two views could coexist in real life.

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

60

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © Dean Schneck

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