Nonoverlapping Magisteria Versus Science-Religion Integration: Rereading Stephen Jay Gould

Abstract

The principle of nonoverlapping magisteria (NOMA), by Stephen Jay Gould, is commonly cited in the science-religion literature as an archetype of a model separating the domains of science and religion. As such, NOMA represents the independence category in Ian Barbour’s science-religion typology. However, it is commonly neglected that NOMA also permits dialogue and even integration of scientific and religious inputs at the personal level, i.e. beyond the level of magisteria. To distinguish the two levels, it is essential to note that Gould considered the magisteria not as any kind of domain but closely related to teaching authorities.