Welcome to the Divinity Divulged podcast! The first podcast series from the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge. In each episode we’ll be taking a look at one of the fascinating research projects happening within the Faculty through conversations with the researcher and an expert guest working in their field. Our discussions are aimed at all of those studying or exploring religious studies across all levels, and you can find details on how this episode relates to A Level and Scottish Highers Specifications as well as a glossary below.

This time round we are joined by Dr Suf Amichay, Junior Research Fellow at Trinity Hall Cambridge, as she takes us through her postdoctoral work which examines systems of natural philosophy and metaphysics in the Middle Ages, particularly the interaction between the Abrahamic faiths and the development of scientific inquiry in this period. Alongside us is Dr Pui Him Ip, Director of Tutorial Programmes at the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion.

Suf runs us through Plato and Aristotle, definitions of science, light in the so called ‘dark ages’, and the ‘creativity’ of Islamic scholarly endeavour.

We dearly hope you enjoy!

Researcher: Dr Suf Amichay

Expert Guest: Dr Pui Him Ip

Host: Dr Joseph Powell

Glossary

Atomistic – A philosophical concept which suggests the universe is made up from indivisible components called atoms.

Cambridge Platnonists – A group of 17th century Cambridge scholars influenced by the writings of Plato including figures such as Henry More and Ralph Cudworth.

Metaphysics – A branch of philosophy concerned with the structures of reality and concepts like space, time and knowing.

Modality – A mode or form in which something is expressed

A Level Specifications –

AQA

2B Christianity

Christianity and Science

The dialogue between Christianity and philosophy

2D Islam

Islam and Science

The dialogue between Islam and philosophy

Pearson Edexcel

Philosophy of Religion

Influences of developments in religious belief

Paper 4, Option 4B: Christianity

Social and historical developments

Paper 4, Option 4D: Islam

Social and historical developments

OCR

Content of Philosophy of religion

Ancient philosophical influences

Content of Developments in Christian thought

Knowledge of God’s Existence

Content of Developments in Islamic thought

Science and Philosophy

Scottish Highers

SQA

Morality, environment and global issues