Beyond Naturalism: What’s Real? Dr. Alex Carter vs Dr. Zachary Ardern - Hosted by Sam McKee

What is really real? In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr Zachary Ardern (evolutionary biologist, Wellcome Sanger Institute), Dr Alex Carter (philosopher, University of Cambridge), and Dr Sam McKee (science historian, Manchester Metropolitan University) sit down to revisit one of the oldest debates in human thought — the relationship between science, religion, and ultimate reality. From the Scopes Trial to the Big Bang, from naturalism to theism, the panel wrestles with big questions: – Are science and faith speaking different languages? – Does scientific success make religion obsolete? – Can naturalism explain consciousness and morality? – Is the universe just matter in motion — or does it point beyond itself? This one will get you thinking and may even surprise you in their discussion about meaning, knowledge, and the limits of what science can tell us. 00:00 – Introduction: Science, Religion & Reality 03:12 – Defining the Relationship Between Science and Faith 07:25 – The History of the “Conflict” Narrative 11:48 – What Counts as Knowledge? 16:42 – Meaning, Purpose, and Human Understanding 22:30 – Consciousness and the Human Mind 28:55 – Is Reality Bigger Than the Physical? 34:20 – Evolution, Morality, and the Human Story 41:10 – Faith and the Future of Knowledge 47:02 – Closing Reflections: Can Science and Religion Work Together? 👉 Get bonus content, updates, fascinating articles, and early access to new episodes - absolutely free! Join now at www.premierunbelievable.com 🎉📢 • Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://www.premier.plus/unbelievable • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PremierUnbelievable/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/premierunbelievable - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@premierunbelievable - X (Twitter) https://x.com/unbelievablefe - Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/unbelievablefe.bsky.social