Development of science and technology in the world is very rapid but, still, crisis exists in communities, whether economic crisis, moral decadence or rampant cases of crime. This is partly because the values of the Deity have not been included in the science. In fact, this is very possible to do.
"Science seems to experience a crisis so that moral decadence, poverty and crimes continue to happen until now," said UGM anthropologist, Prof. Dr. Heddy Shri Ahimsa Putra, at UGM Stana Parahita Room, Wednesday (7/12) in between the preparation of The First International Conference on Knowledge and Values with the theme Methodological Explorations of The Encounter of Science, Religion, and Local Culture, to celebrate UGM Anniversary. On that occasion Heddy was accompanied by Dr. Arqom Kuswanjono (Faculty of Philosophy) and Prof. Dr. Indra Bastian, M.B.A., Akt.
Heddy recognizes the values of honesty and science are already included in science, but the values of Deity are still abandoned. Therefore, to create the harmony between the empirical and divine knowledge, they should not be separated. In fact, with the harmonization of the two, the empirical knowledge will grow more and deeper.
"For example, in Islam, through the verses of the Koran we can learn more and deepen the knowledge that already exists today," said Heddy.
With that narrative Heddy convinced that science which is based on one major source, namely the revelation of God Almighty, will bring up a theory that would be the right prescription for the problems of man and nature without creating new problems.
Dr. Arqom Kuswanjono added that there should be room provided for it, so, there is no conflict between religion and science. If necessary, create a dialogue between science and religion, not only at the ethical but also epistemological level.
“Create a dialogue between science and religion, not only in ethical but also epistemological level," said Arqom.
The conference that is supported by the Inter Religious Studies (IRS) Study Program and the UGM Center for Religious and Cross Cultural Studies (CRCS) will be held at the UGM Graduate School, 16-17 December 2011. One member of the UGM Anniversary committee, Prof. Dr. Indra Bastian, M.B.A, Akt, explained speakers who will present at the Conference include: Prof. Nidhal Guessoum (University of Sharjah), Prof. Dr. Adam Seligman (Boston University), Prof. Mark Woodward (Arizona State University, Visiting Professor, CRCS-UGM), Prof. Umar Anggara Jenie (UGM Pharmacy), Prof. Emil Salim (UI), Prof. Dr. Heddy Shri Ahimsa Putra, and Prof. Etty Indriati (UGM Faculty of Medicine).