One of the most distinctive characteristics of human beings is their capacity to alter their environments through technology. https://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/respecting-and-transcending-nature

This raises important ethical and religious questions concerning the human engagement with nature, such as whether there are limits to what we can do with science (as in the genetic modification of crops). Yet there are deeper questions, about the way in which science can be used for destructive purposes.

The writing of J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) show how his experience of the technology of warfare in the First World War had a lasting impact, causing him to reflect on how science could be used to destroy humanity, as much as to improve conditions. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings contrasts the purity and simplicity of those living close to nature with those who try to alter nature for their own ends. Reflections on scientific and religious frameworks enable us to respect nature on the one hand, while transcending its limits on the other.

The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/respecting-and-transcending-nature

Gresham College has been giving free public lectures since 1597. This tradition continues today with all of our five or so public lectures a week being made available for free download from our website. There are currently over 2,000 lectures free to access or download from the website.

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