Event date:
May 24 2022 12:00 pm

Do Muslims Accept Evolution? The Reception of Biological Evolution in Pakistan, Malaysia and Iran

Speaker(s)
Salman Hameed | Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.
Venue
10-301, 3rd floor, SBASSE building
Abstract
The topic of biological evolution is often considered a flashpoint in science and religion debates. There is an impression that this is the case for Muslims as well. However, we find that the meaning of the word “evolution” is often elusive and fluid. Furthermore, the reception of biological evolution is often shaped by political, social, and historical factors. I will present an analysis of 71 interviews of Pakistani and Malaysian physicians and medical students, as well as a quantitative and qualitative study of college educated Iranians. I will conclude by looking at the larger implications of the perception of modern science in Muslim societies.

Salman Hameed is Charles Taylor Chair and Professor of Integrated Science and Humanities at Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA. His primary research interest focuses on understanding the reception of science in Muslim societies and how Muslims view the relationship between science & religion. Salman is also actively engaged in science communication and is the founder and CEO of Kainaat Studios that produces astronomy content in Urdu (https://www.youtube.com/KainaatAstronomyInUrdu). He also has a weekly astronomy segment in English for a radio station in Western Massachusetts. Through Kainaat Studios, he also produces astronomy content in Urdu specially aimed at kids in Pakistan. His writings have appeared in Dawn Magazine, Express Tribune, Science, and the Guardian.