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Non-overlapping magisteria

Non-overlapping magisteria (NOMA) is the view, advocated by paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould, that science and religion each represent different areas of inquiry, fact vs. values, so there is a difference between the "nets"[1] over which they have "a legitimate magisterium, or domain of teaching authority", and the two domains do not overlap.[2] He suggests, with examples, that "NOMA enjoys strong and fully explicit support, even from the primary cultural stereotypes of hard-line traditionalism" and that it is "a sound position of general consensus, established by long struggle among people of goodwill in both magisteria."[1] Some have criticized the idea or suggested limitations to it, and there continues to be disagreement over where the boundaries between the two magisteria should be.

National Academy of Sciences[edit]

Also in 1999, the National Academy of Sciences adopted a similar stance. Its publication Science and Creationism stated that "Scientists, like many others, are touched with awe at the order and complexity of nature. Indeed, many scientists are deeply religious. But science and religion occupy two separate realms of human experience. Demanding that they be combined detracts from the glory of each."[8]

Fact–value distinction

God of the gaps

New atheism § Views on non-overlapping magisteria

Relationship between science and religion

Sphere sovereignty

– by Stephen Jay Gould (MP3)

Nonoverlapping Magisteria

– by Stephen Jay Gould

Nonmoral Nature

– by H. Allen Orr, Boston Review.

Gould on God

– by Michael Ruse, Metanexus Institute.

Review of Rocks of Ages

– by Michael Ruse, Science & Spirit.

A Separate Peace

– by Ursula Goodenough, American Scientist

The Holes in Gould's Semipermeable Membrane Between Science and Religion

– by Mark Durm, Massimo Pigliucci, Skeptical Inquirer

Gould's Separate "Magisteria"

– by Martin Gardner, Skeptical Inquirer

The religious views of Stephen Gould and Charles Darwin

– by Kenan Malik, New Statesman

Inventing allies in the sky

– by Jim Walker

Rocks of Ages Book review