History of science, religion and the ‘big picture’

Abstract

The academic subfields of ‘science and religion’ and ‘Islamic sciences’ have witnessed significant developments in recent decades. Despite historians discrediting outdated narratives, persistent ideas within the public sphere prompt the need for a comprehensive ‘big picture’. This paper examines the historiographical developments in the fields of ‘science and religion’ and ‘Islamic sciences’, emphasizing the necessity for a ‘big picture’ that acknowledges the intricate histories of these areas. It traces the evolution of both fields, challenging the ‘conflict thesis’ and the ‘Golden Age’ narrative, and advocating for interdisciplinary perspectives that are global. This paper aims to advocate for an approach defining ‘science’ and ‘religion’ within their temporal and geographical contexts, to foster a deeper understanding of their intertwined histories.