DEFINING A PERSON – THE CONFLICT BETWEEN SCIENCE, SECULAR PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION

Abstract

Take existence of our mind and soul as a fact. But what and who is human? It is a question that has remained elusive since the emergence of human conscious. Thus it is not a surprise that agreement does not exist between science, secular philosophy or theology on how to define the precise moment when personhood begins and what are its rights and how do we define its end. From Aristotle to early Judeo Christian scholars; from birth of Islam to immense advancement in science there is no consensus of what uniqueness constitutes the human state and when that state does ends. This conflict between science, religion and secular philosophy is at the heart of this presentation. The presentation will explore Islamic teachings in context of historical and current advancements in science. It will highlight the key points of contention between religion, secular philosophy and science. The presentation will attempt to show that a solution to the conundrum of defining humanity is hidden in Revealed guidance.