07.03.2024,
On March 1, 2024, Simon Maria Kopf, Associate Professor of Fundamental Theology, presented a paper titled “Miracles, Powers, and Laws of Nature: Philosophical Explorations” at an international conference hosted by the Thomistic Institute of the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome on “Miracles: Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Perspectives”. You can watch his presentation here:
The conference description reads as follows: Miracles are one of the core features of the Christian religion, as well as many other faiths. The most foundational miracles are those described throughout the biblical narrative. However, there have been continued reports of miraculous events even to this day, and some have become important in popular piety and the faith of individual believers. In light of the advances of modern science and our deeper understanding of the physical and biological world, many have claimed that such miraculous events, ancient or contemporary, are implausible if not strictly impossible. In this conference we will consider the miraculous with the tools of contemporary theology, philosophy, and science. Drawing on the insights of an international collection of specialists, we will address various foundational questions about God’s supernatural action in the world: What exactly is a miracle? In light of advances in science and philosophy, are miracles possible? If so, can modern science help identify and understand miraculous events? What role should miracles play in our personal Christian faith? Is it reasonable for scientists to believe in particular miracles, and if so, when? Does nature need special divine action in its operation and major evolutionary transitions?